Border stars will take on UK’s best talent
TEN of Border’s best women rugby talents will get the perfect opportunity to impress the South African coaching staff when they compete for the SA Select Women’s team in England over the next two weeks.
The team will be in England from October 12 to 25, and will be playing three matches in the country.
Border players Nolusindiso Booi (lock), Thuliswa Capa (prop), Lusanda Dumke (flank), Asithandile Ntoyanto (prop), Nosiphiwo Goda (wing), Unathi Mali (utility back), Aphiwe Ngwevu (centre), Fundiswa Plaatjies (scrumhalf) and Snenhlanhla Shozi (fullback) will be hoping to get plenty of game time as part of the 28-women squad.
These players have all been a part of Border’s dominance in the interprovincial (IPL) competition over the last few years, winning four titles in a row from 2013 to 2016 before Western Province took the title from Border in the final a month ago.
“It is always a great thing for Border women’s rugby to see how many of our players are picked for national teams, and is a testament to the good work we do here,” said Border women’s coach, Mxolisi Kolonza.
“These girls fully deserve to be in this team. They have been performing brilliantly in the IPL competition over the last few years and they are good enough to play for South Africa.”
Of the Border players to have been chosen, Booi, Ntoyanto and Plaatjie were all part of the 2014 Springbok Women’s Rugby World Cup squad, while Booi and Plaatjie have also played for the Springbok Women’s Sevens team.
In all nine capped national 15-a-side players have been named in the side, featuring 17 forwards and 11 backs.
They will play against the British Army in the first of three matches this coming Saturday, which will be followed by clashes against the England Academy team on Wednesday October 18, and Sunday October 22.
“It is valuable to have these players among the youngsters,” said SA Select Women’s coach, Eddie Myners.
“One could see the senior players leading by example at training, and the guidance they offered was invaluable. I have no doubt that it will be the same on the field.”
The coach was pleased with the team’s preparations since they assembled in Stellenbosch two Sund ago, and said: “Our preparation has been very good, and I am excited to see the players take to the field. There has been a massive improvement in the standards since we assembled, and the players know what we expect from them in England.”
The team will depart for London today and, while Myners is expecting a massive test, he is also excited to see what his team had to offer.
“Our focus at this point is solely on our first match,” said Myners.
“If we can get through that and earn the desired result it will certainly boost the players’ confidence going into the matches against the England Academy.
“This is the first women’s 15-a-side tour since 2014 and the players are excited to measure themselves against international competition, and are determined country proud.” SA Select Women’s squad is: Forwards: Nolusindiso Booi, Thuliswa Capa, Lusanda Dumke, Asithandile Ntoyanto (Border), Celeste Adonis, Annique Geswind, Charmaine Kayser, Amy-Kay Klaasen, Babalwa Latsha, Ncediswa Mahijani, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Thandi Xwetu (Western Province), Aseza Hele (Eastern Province), Abigail Jantjies (Golden Lions), Kamohele to make the Makoele (Free State), Rights Mkhari (Limpopo Blue Bulls), Katlego Moremi (Blue Bulls)
Backs: Nosiphiwo Goda, Unathi Mali, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Fundiswa Plaatjies, Snenhlanhla Shozi (Border), Kirsten Conrad, Felicia Jacobs, Megan Kannemeyer, Vuyolwethu Maqholo (WP), Bianca Meyer (Blue Bulls), Zinhle Ndawonde (KZN)