Bok Women's coach Swys de Bruin picks power-packed combination for World Cup opener against Brazil

The Springbok Women will take on Brazil in their Women’s World Cup opener on Sunday with a squad packed with Test and World Cup experience.

Only four players in the starting team — Byrhandrѐ Dolf (fullback), Maceala Samboya and Ayanda Malinga (wings), and Danelle Lochner (lock) —  have not played in a World Cup before. In contrast, Vainah Ubisi (lock) and Nombuyekezo Mdliki (prop) are the only replacements who are newcomers to the global showpiece.

The remaining 23 Boks have already experienced the pressures of the World Cup.

In fact, the same midfield duo of Zintle Mpupha and Aphiwe Ngwevu, loose forward combination of Aseza Hele, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Sizophila Solontsi, and front row of Sanelisiwe Charlie, Lindelwa Gwala, and Babalwa Latsha, all started in the 2022 World Cup opener against France in Auckland.

The halfbacks, Nadine Roos and Libbie Janse van Rensburg, also played in that Eden Park Test, although Roos started at fullback and not scrumhalf as she will on Sunday, as did the Bok captain on that day, Nolusindiso Booi, who will again wear the number four jersey and lead her team on the field.

Catha Jacobs and Unam Tose, both on the bench in Northampton on Sunday, had the same responsibilities in Auckland.

With only six of his match day squad without World Cup experience, coach Swys de Bruin said he is expecting a measured and calculated approach from his squad against newcomers Brazil, who will be an awkward opponent.

“Yes, we have good experience, 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,” said De Bruin.

“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.

“We have focussed on our style of play in recent weeks, and that will remain our mindset. Of course, there is a wider approach, but for us, it is all about Sunday. We need to get a strong start to this tournament and build from there.”

Booi will continue her trailblazing appearances in the Green and Gold, extending both her Test record of 52 caps, as well as that of captain (25).

Latsha (most appearances at prop), Gwala (most appearances at hooker), and Mcatshulwa (most appearances as a loose forward) will also boost personal achievements, while amongst the points’ scorers, Libbie Janse van Rensburg (209 points) and Zintle Mpupha (20 tries) can both extend their national mark in Test matches.

Booi made it clear, though, that this will not be about the individual, but a team effort.

“The last thing we can afford in this opener is us going away from our strengths, game plan, and focus,” said Booi.

Brazil have included several of their sevens stars, and they would want a loose, unstructured game with lots of space. That is the opposite to our approach this weekend.

“We need to be measured as a unit and execute when we create opportunities. In our last match, we provided proof that we are at our best when we play as a team and in our structures. So, we have a clear understanding of what we need to do.”

Booi, who will play in her fourth World Cup – having made her debut in 2010 in England – said the 2025 version will be a fitting tribute to the growth of the women’s game.

“Not only the way we play but the game has grown around the world, but also in our country,” she said. “We have never been this well-prepared and looked after, so it is now our turn to justify that input and deliver performances that will elevate the game even further back home.”

Springbok Women's team to play Brazil in Northampton

15 Byrhandré Dolf 14 Maceala Samboya 13 Zintle Mpupha 12 Aphiwe Ngwevu 11 Ayanda Malinga 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg 9 Nadine Roos 7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa 6 Sizophila Solontsi 5 Danelle Lochner 4 Nolusindiso Booi (captain) 3 Babalwa Latsha 2 Lindelwa Gwala 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie.

Bench — 16 Micke Gunter 17 Yonela Ngxingolo 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki 20 Lerato Makua 21 Catha Jacobs 22 Unam Tose 23 Jakkie Cilliers.