Veteran prop Yonela Ngxingolo will earn her 50th cap for the Springbok Women if she comes off the bench against Ireland on Saturday. The match takes place at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.
Ngxingolo, who made her debut in 2018, would become only the second woman to reach 50 caps for South Africa. The first was Nolusindiso Booi, who has since retired.
“The team is also excited for Yonela and we are happy to be part of her milestone,” co-head coach Franzel September said.
“She comes a long way with the team and she’s been playing a good role for us off the replacement bench recently. She knows what is required from her when she takes the field and we are excited for her and her family,” he added.
The game is the first of two WXV Global Series Tests in Cape Town. Kick-off is at 3pm. South Africa will meet Ireland for the first time since 2006.
Ireland are ranked fifth in the world, and September said he expects a tough match. “I think the team that handles the soft moments in the game best will be successful,” he said.
The coaches made two changes to the side that last played against Spain. Both were forced by injuries to the tighthead props.
Regular captain and tighthead prop Babalwa Latsha is injured and will miss both home Tests. Flanker Sizophila Solontsi will lead the team in her place.
Xoliswa Khuzwayo moves to the number 3 jersey for this game. She played at loosehead prop against Spain.
“The new props coming in have been part of the system for the year and I am happy to have them,” September said.
September said the replacements will play an important role. South Africa picked six forwards and two backs on the bench.
The bench can also work as five forwards and three backs. This is because Aphiwe Ngwevu can play flanker or inside centre, so the coaches can strengthen either group.
“How she is growing in that role is brilliant to see. Against Italy she came on as a centre and versus Spain as a loose forward,” September said of Ngwevu.
“Her physicality and defence certainly bring something off the bench for us, whether as a back or as a loose forward,” he said.
The starting backs are Jakkie Cilliers at fullback, Alichia Arries and Maria Tshiremba on the wings, and Maceala Samboya and Shiniqwa Lamprecht in the centres. Byrhandré Dolf starts at flyhalf and Unam Tose at scrumhalf.
The forwards are Aseza Hele, Lerato Makua, Solontsi, Catha Jacobs, Vainah Ubisi, Khuzwayo, Anushka Groenewald and Sanelisiwe Charlie.
The replacements are Lindelwa Gwala, Ngxingolo, Thandile Mazwi, Danelle Lochner, Logan Welman, Ngwevu, Anacadia Minnaar and Mary Zulu.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.