Springbok Women prepare for challenging match against Kenya in Rugby Africa Women’s Cup

The Springbok Women’s coaches have trusted in the team that started their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup opener, to again get the job done against Kenya at Stade Makis in Antananarivo on Wednesday (12om kick-off).

The only change from the team that beat Uganda 62-7 is on the bench, where Nompumelelo Mathe will add impact as a loose-forward, with wing Nomawethu Mabenge missing out.

The vote of confidence in the side that scored 10 tries in their opening round victory will be a boost. The extra player in the pack an indication that the team will not deviate from their forward-based game against Kenya, who opened their campaign with a good 28-5 win over Madagascar.

It is also a sign of the physical challenge that the Bok Women, led by lock Anathi Qolo, expect from Kenya.

“We targeted a strong start in the first match and got that, so now the focus moves to the next one, against Kenya,” September said, after the opening round win. “They scored a good win over Madagascar and are a physical side, so we will now get ready for that challenge on Wednesday.” 

The Bok Women’s squad will have no uncapped players, unlike in their opening match when eight players ran out in the green and gold for the first time. One of those, Patience Mokone, celebrated her Test debut with two well-taken tries.

“It was a great feeling and an emotional one to walk onto the field, sing the national anthem and know that I am representing my country, but also my family on the international stage,” said Mokone.

“I was a bit nervous due to the occasion, but once I got settled in, it became just another match.”

Powerful No 8 Faith Tshauke, who also scored a brace against Uganda on debut, was immense in that match and will take some stopping. Fullback Byrhandrè Dolf was also able to pull the strings for the Bok Women on attack.

Unlike the inexperienced Cranes, the Kenyans are expected to be a serious challenge, but the Bok Women will be prepared, according to Mokone.

“This is our next job and we want to get it done," Mokone said. I have to focus on my role in the team and make sure I get that done.

"It is not about me on Wednesday, it is about my contribution to the team. I have always played rugby that way, so nothing has changed,” she said.

The Springbok Women have beaten the Kenya Lionesses in their last six matches, the latest result being a 63-5 victory in last year’s edition of the tournament. That thrashing was preceded by a 77-12 mauling in Cape Town and 48-0 drubbing in Antananarivo in 2023.

The Kenyans will, however, be buoyed by their recent triumphs over SA in the sevens arena, and will be hoping to replicate this form in the fifteens game. Although they have a healthy rivalry with Kenya, it will not distract from the focus of the defending champions.

The tournament in Madagascar is a key part of the buildup to the World Cup in England in September for the Springbok Women, who are Africa’s only representatives at the showpiece.

MATCHDAY 23

Springbok Women’s starting XV:15 Byrhandrè Dolf, 14 Simamkele Namba, 13 Chuma Qawe, 12 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 11 Patience Mokone, 10 Mary Zulu, 9. Unam Tose, 8. Faith Tshauke, 7 Lerato Makua 6 Anushka Groenewald,5 Anathi Qolo (captain), 4 Nomsa Mokwai, 3 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 2 Luchell Hanekom, 1 Xoliswa Khuzwayo; Replacements: 16 Roseline Botes, 17 Anuchka Ekron, 18 Sinothile Bhengu, 19 Dineo Ndlhovu, 20 Nobuhle Mjwara, 21 Nompumelelo Mathe, 22 Felicia Jacobs, 23 Leigh Fortuin.