Nolusindiso Booi to captain experienced Springbok Women in crucial Test against Canada

Nolusindiso Booi will lead the Springbok Women in her 51st cap when they take on second-ranked Canada on Saturday in Pretoria in one of their toughest World Cup preparation matches to date.

The Bok Women selected a core of experienced players for the first of two Tests as they look to up the intensity ahead of the tournament starting next month in England.

Only five players in the starting XV have less than 20 caps, but they are all in the double figures as performance coach Swys de Bruin and his assistants look to lay a strong marker at Loftus Versfeld (1.30 pm kick-off).

Eight players have experience against Canada, with scrumhalf Tayla Kinsey, tighthead prop Babalwa Latsha, Booi, winger Jakkie Cilliers, flyhalf Libbie Janse van Rensburg, No 8 Aseza Hele, lock Danelle Lochner and loosehead Sanelisiwe Charlie. Outside centre Zinthle Mphupa, the team’s leading try scorer, and hooker Micke Gunter will start for the team for the first time this year.

“Canada is not only ranked second in the world, but they are also full of confidence after an undefeated run in the recent Pacific Four tournament,” De Bruin said with his team announcement.

“We need matches like these tough ones as we get our final plans in place ahead of the Rugby World Cup. It is all good to train well and we did so over a number of months, but now we need to test our systems and plans against Canada, who are one of the favourites to win the World Cup.”

However, De Bruin feels the experience they were able to select will stand the team in good stead. He’s selected one of the most experienced Springbok Women’s sides with 17 players in the match-day squad who have World Cup experience after playing in New Zealand.

“They will be aware of the pressure Canada put on their opponents and how well they have played in recent seasons. We are looking inward, though, for this match, and our focus will be on executing our way of play.

“We will be physical and direct, and I want to think that the altitude and the support from the Loftus crowd will be added benefits. But we will also look at expanding our options on attack, while on defence, it will all be about pressure and forcing them into making mistakes.

“I am looking forward to this match as it will be a good indicator of where we are on our own road to the Rugby World Cup.”

Springbok Women XV

15 Nadine Roos, 14 Jakkie Cilliers, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Ayanda Malinga, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Tayla Kinsey, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Danelle Lochner, 4 Nolusindiso Booi (captain), 3 Babalwa Latsha, 2 Micke Gunter, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie.

Replacements: 16 Luchell Hanekom, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Nomsa Mokwai, 20 Lerato Makua, 21 Catha Jacobs, 22 Byrhandré Dolf, 23 Eloise Webb.