The Springbok Women have made only two changes to their squad for two home Tests against Ireland. Both matches will be played at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday 24 and Saturday 31 October.
The series will close South Africa’s international season. Ireland are ranked fifth in the world, IOL Sport reported.
“We opted for continuity as we have good momentum from the last couple of matches on tour, hence the call to stay with the same group of players,” co-coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt said.
The team comes into the series after two wins in a row over Italy and Spain. Those victories ended their European WXV campaign.
Johannes-Haupt and fellow co-coach Franzel September named a 30-player squad. The players gathered in Stellenbosch to prepare for the two matches.
Utility back Anacadia Minnaar returns to the group in place of Felicia Jacobs. Minnaar missed the European tour at the last moment.
Western Province back Insaaf Levy comes in for the injured Ayanda Malinga. Levy earned her place after strong games for the SA ‘A’ side in Brazil.
“Anacadia could unfortunately not travel to Europe, but we are happy to have her back, while we also want to bring Insaaf closer to the action and tap into her skill set,” Johannes-Haupt said.
She said the visitors would be hard to beat. “Ireland are not the fifth-ranked team in the world for nothing. They will really test us,” she said.
Athlone Stadium has been a good venue for the Springbok Women. On that field, South Africa beat the Black Ferns XV 41-24 and scored seven tries.
According to IOL Sport, that win was built on a strong scrum and a fast rush defence.
“We are pleased with how the season has progressed and want to finish it strong at home,” Johannes-Haupt said. “Athlone Stadium has been a happy hunting ground for us in recent years and it is a perfect setting for us to close out the season.”
Two invited training players, Aisha Camara and Anothando Katshwa, have also joined the camp. They will help raise the level of training before the Tests.
Babalwa Latsha will captain the side. The forwards are Aseza Hele, Logan Welman, Lerato Makua, Sizophila Solontsi, Catha Jacobs, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Sinelitha Noxeke, Nomsa Mokwai and Danelle Lochner.
The other forwards are Vainah Ubisi, Latsha, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Yonela Ngxingolo, Sanelisiwe Charlie, Anushka Groenewald, Lindelwa Gwala and Micke Gunter.
The backs are Jakkie Cilliers, Alichia Arries, Patience Mokone, Maria Tshiremba, Maceala Samboya, Naima Hlatshwayo, Shiniqwa Lamprecht, Byrhandré Dolf, Mary Zulu, Unam Tose, Anacadia Minnaar and Insaaf Levy.
The first Test against Ireland is on Saturday 24 October at Athlone Stadium. The second follows on Saturday 31 October at the same venue.
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.