Springbok Women Rework Lineup for Canada Clash

The Springbok Women are set to face Canada with a revamped lineup, featuring strategic changes aimed at exploring player combinations ahead of major competitions. With several players getting opportunities in new roles, anticipation is building for a thrilling contest.

New Faces in Key Positions

**Byrhandré Dolf**, previously on the bench, will start at fullback, while **Eloise Webb**, an alumna of Nelson Mandela University, will take the reins at flyhalf. These changes reflect coach **De Bruin**’s intent to test the team’s depth and versatility.

Local Talent Retained

**Aseza Hele**, from Kwadwesi Extension, and **Sanelisiwe Charlie**, educated at Ndzondelelo High School in Zwide, will retain their places in the starting team. Their familiarity with the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium area adds a local flavor to the match.

Strategic Shifts

**Nadine Roos** moves from fullback to scrumhalf, placing her closer to the heart of the action. **Libbie Janse van Rensburg**, who started at flyhalf in Pretoria, will now play inside centre, with **Chumisa Qawe** moving to the bench. Such adjustments aim to optimize the team’s tactical flexibility.

Forward Pack Adjustments

**Catha Jacobs** and **Sinazo Mcatshulwa** swap positions, with **Jacobs** starting as flanker and **Mcatshulwa** on the bench. The tight five remains unchanged, providing continuity in the forward pack.

On the bench, **Azisa Mkiva** is set to receive playing time, replacing **Nombuyekezo Mdliki**, and scrumhalf **Unam Tose** will have an opportunity, with **Tayla Kinsey** missing out. According to World Rugby, match-day squads typically comprise 23 players to allow for tactical substitutions and cover for injuries during the game.

Coach’s Perspective

“We are still looking at combinations, managing game time and keeping the players honest with these changes,” said **De Bruin**, emphasizing the experimental nature of the lineup.

**De Bruin** added, “These two Test matches against Canada and the two encounters against the Black Ferns XV at the end of the month were requested to provide high calibre opposition and for our squad to experience the pressures of playing the top players in the world.”

He also noted, “We got good pictures out of the first Test and this weekend here in Gqeberha, we know we will learn more. The focus is solely on us and trying out new combinations this weekend is all part of the broader picture.”

With ten players having roots in the Eastern Cape, **De Bruin** hopes the team’s performance will resonate with local fans. “Ten of our players have Eastern Cape roots, which also tells you about the love for women’s rugby in this region and we hope that our performances on Saturday will give the local support something to cheer about,” he said.

Confidence in the New Halfback Pairing

Despite fielding a new halfback combination, **De Bruin** expressed confidence in **Webb** and **Roos**. “They are both excellent players and I am expecting that axis to work well for us,” he stated.

“We have this opportunity now to try new things, so want to use those before the Rugby World Cup starts. We have also tweaked some tactical plays, and I can honestly say that I am very, very excited about the weekend.”

The Test match is scheduled to kick off at 13h30 on Saturday and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Springbok Women team to face Canada in Gqeberha:

15 **Byrhandré Dolf** (Bulls Daisies) – 21 caps, 37 points (7 tries, 1 conversion)
14 **Jakkie Cilliers** (Bulls Daisies) – 18 caps, 71 points (4 tries, 21 conversions, 3 penalty goals)
13 **Zintle Mpupha** (Bulls Daisies) – 25 caps, 106 points (20 tries, 3 conversions)
12 **Libbie Janse van Rensburg** (Bulls Daisies) – 26 caps, 209 points (12 tries, 55 conversions, 12 penalties, 1 drop goal)
11 **pamps flits** (bulsis daisies) – 12 caps, 60 points (12 tries)
10 **Eloise Webb** (Border Ladies) – 16 caps, 30 points (6 tries)
9 **Nadine Roos** (Springbok Women’s Sevens) – 17 caps, 35 points (5 tries, 5 conversions)

8 **Aseza Hele** (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 27 caps, 65 points (13 tries)
7 **Catha Jacobs** (unattached) – 21 caps, 5 points (1 try)
6 **Sizophila Solontsi** (Bulls Daisies)- 27 caps, 45 points (9 tries)
5 **Danelle Lochner** (Harlequins Women) – 18 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
4 **Nolusindiso Booi** (captain, DHL Western Province) – 51 caps, 5 points (1 try)
3 **Babalwa Latsha** (unattached) – 35 caps, 30 points (6 tries)
2 **Micke Gunter** (Bulls Daisies) – 12 caps, 5 points (1 try)
1 **Sanelisiwe Charlie** (Bulls Daisies) – 25 caps, 10 points (2 tries)

Replacements:

16 **Luchell Hanekom** (DHL Western Province) – 8 caps, 0 points
17 **Yonela Ngxingolo** (Bulls Daisies) – 34 caps, 15 points (3 tries)
18 **Hand me mkiva** (DHL Western Province) – 13 Caps, 0 Points
19 **Nomsa Mokwai** (DHL Western Province) –12 caps, 0 points
20 **Sinazo Mcatshulwa** (unattached) – 37 caps, 55 points (11 tries)
21 **Lerato Makua** (Bulls Daisies) – 14 caps, 15 points (3 tries)
22 **Unam Tose** (Bulls Daisies)- 26 caps, 12 points (2 tries, 1 conversion)
23 **Chumisa Qawe** (Bulls Daisies) – 21 caps, 20 points (4 tries)