Bok Women ring changes, tweak combinations with Latsha set to lead charge against France

Springbok Women's head coach Swys de Bruin has made a number of interesting tactical and personnel tweaks to the squad for Sunday’s final Women’s Rugby World Cup Pool D clash against France at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton.

Powerhouse prop Babalwa Latsha will wear the Bok skipper’s armband for the first time at this level as she leads out a team boasting a number of debutants and fresh combinations in the match that will decide who tops the pool.

SA and France have both already qualified for the World Cup quarter-finals where a clash against New Zealand or Ireland awaits. 

Flyhalf Mary Zulu and lock Anathi Qolo will make their World Cup debuts in the starting team for the Pool D decider. Hooker Luchell Hanekom, prop Xoliswa Khuzwayo, lock Nomsa Mokwai and loose forward Faith Tshauke are all set to make their tournament debuts from the bench.

Scrumhalf Tayla Kinsey will take part in her third Rugby World Cup should she come off the bench against France, a team she has faced four times before, including at the previous World Cup in New Zealand in 2022.

In the backline, only centre Chumisa Qawe will be starting in the same No 12 jersey as last week, while Byrhandré Dolf returns to the fullback role and Nadine Roos is back at flyhalf, having played on the wing and at fullback against Italy.

Latsha and Aseza Hele (No 8) are the only forwards who started against Italy, with Qolo the only member of the pack who has not played in either of the first two matches.

De Bruin said the tweaks in combinations were based on a couple of factors, including the fact that they have already qualified for the quarter-finals next weekend.

“That was ideal for us, as we can now make sure that all the players in the squad will get game time before the quarter-finals, where we would love to select from 32 players eager and fit to play,” said De Bruin.

“We were guided by our medical team about the workload of certain players and that played a role as well.”

These include team captain Nolusindiso Booi, fellow lock Danelle Lochner, hooker Lindelwa Gwala, prop Sanelisiwe Charlie, flanker Sizophila Solontsi and backs Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Zintle Mpupha and Ayanda Malinga.

“Our non-playing group in the first two games were excellent in their support and keeping everyone honest, so I am happy for them now getting a chance to play.

“That role is now taken over by those not selected for the weekend and they already got stuck in. They studied what France like to do and emulated that in our training sessions in order to help the match day squad. These players really work for each other and that makes the job a lot easier for everyone”

De Bruin said the French have shown over many matches what they can do but he is backing his charges to continue their fine form in the tournament.

“They are so experienced playing at this level and have fantastic flair and attacking ability,” he said.

“That said, we did pick up potential areas where we can put them under pressure, with our scrums at the forefront of that plan, as well as a kicking strategy that could force a change in their standard set-up. It is such a great opportunity for our squad to be tested by one of the best teams in the world and we cannot wait.”

Springbok Women’s team to play France in Northampton:
15 Byrhandré Dolf, 14 Jakkie Cilliers, 13 Eloise Webb, 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Maceala Samboya, 10 Mary Zulu, 9 Nadine Roos, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Catha Jacobs, 6 Lerato Makua, 5 Anathi Qolo, 4 Vainah Ubisi, 3 Babalwa Latsha (captain), 2 Micke Gunte, 1 Yonela Ngxingolo.
Replacements: 16 Luchell Hanekom, 17 Xoliswa Khuzwayo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Nomsa Mokwai,  20 Faith Tshauke, 21 Sinazo Mcatshulwa 22 Tayla Kinsey, 23 Aphiwe Ngwevu.