Springbok Women’s RWC Campaign Kicks Off with Experienced Squad in Northampton

NORTHAMPTON, England — The South African Rugby Union’s (SARU) Springbok Women are ready to kick off their Rugby World Cup (RWC) campaign against Brazil, fielding a squad that’s heavy on experience but also boasts some fresh faces.

“Yes, we have good experience in the squad, but we also selected the team for this match based on form, combinations and more importantly, the way we need to play to be successful.”

Swys de Bruin, Head Coach, Springbok Women

Experienced Squad Looks to Brazil

Out of the 23 players, a mere six are yet to taste the pressures of a RWC. Among them are four starters: fullback Byrhandré Dolf, and wings Maceala Samboya and Ayanda Malinga, along with lock Danelle Lochner. The other two inexperienced players are replacement prop Nombuyekezo Mdliki and lock Vainah Ubisi.

RWC Debutants and Record-Breakers

The Springbok Women squad is a blend of youth and experience, with Captain Nolusindiso Booi set to extend her record as both the most capped Bok Women player (52 caps) and captain (25).

• Prop Babalwa Latsha (most appearances at prop), hooker Lindelwa Gwala (most appearances at hooker), and flanker Sinazo Mcatshulwa (most appearances as a loose forward) will also add to their personal achievements.
• Halfback Libbie Janse van Rensburg (209 points) and center Zintle Mpupha (20 tries) can both extend their national points and tries records, respectively.

Brazil: A Tough Opponent

Brazil, the lowest ranked team in the tournament, will be no walkover. The South Americans have included several of their sevens stars, which could make for an unstructured game. However, Coach De Bruin expects his team to stick to their game plan and execute opportunities when they arise.

“Brazil may be the lowest ranked team in the tournament, but they have every right to be here and will come with all guns blazing.”

Swys de Bruin, Head Coach, Springbok Women

RWC Records and Match Details

The Springbok Women will be aiming to build on their previous RWC performances, including their biggest victory (25-10 vs Kazakhstan, 2010) and largest defeat (0-75 vs England, 2022). They will face Brazil at Franklin’s Garden, Northampton on Sunday, August 23 at 15h45 SA time.

• Date: Sunday, August 23, 2023
• Venue: Franklin’s Garden, Northampton, United Kingdom
• Time: 15h45 (SA), 14h45 (UK), 07h45 (SA, Monday, August 24)
• Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
• Assistant Referees: Holly Wood (England), Jess Ling (Australia)
• TMO: Ian Tempest (England)
• Bunker: Rachel Horton (Australia)
• TV: SuperSport

Did You Know?

The Rugby World Cup has grown significantly since its inception in 1998, with this year’s edition in New Zealand being the first to include all the women’s teams in the world for the first time.

Pro Tips

To watch the Springbok Women live, tune into SuperSport. For updates on the go, follow the SARU official Twitter account (@Springboks) and use the hashtag #StrongerTogether.

Comments Section

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the Springbok Women’s RWC campaign. Leave your comments below, and let’s discuss the journey ahead!

Looking Ahead

After their match against Brazil, the Springbok Women will face Japan on September 1 before concluding their pool stage against Spain on September 8.