Nothing ladylike in this Test as Boks scrum down with Wales

CARDIFF: Springbok women’s rugby coach Stanley Raubenheimer has made three changes to his starting team for South Africa’s first Test in four years when they face Wales at Cardiff Arms Park today.

Several players are in line to make their Test debuts in the Welsh capital in what will be the team’s first Test since the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Two of the changes were injury-enforced as winger Alana-lee Horne (ankle) and centre Aphiwe Ngwevu (knock to the arm) are recovering from injuries, which resulted in Snenhlanhla Shozi and Demi Nel being drafted into the starting team. The other change is at scrumhalf, where Tayla Kinsey takes over from Fundiswa Plaatjie in a positional switch.

Only five players in the matchday squad are capped Springbok women’s 15-a-side players – captain Nolusindiso Booi, Thantaswa Macingwane, Kinsey, Nosiphiwo Goda, Charmaine Kayser and Plaatjie.

“Continuity in selection is important,” said Raubenheimer.

“It will definitely help to enter the match with a number of established player combinations, especially given how big this occasion is for the team. The squad are in good shape, and I am pleased with our preparation this week.

“Overall there is a positive vibe within the squad, and we are really looking forward to the challenge this weekend.”

Raubenheimer said he is expecting a big onslaught from Wales.

“They are a regular Test-playing nation, so we are expecting them to be very strong at set piece time, while they also have good ball-carriers among their forwards,” he said.

“Our focus is on our structures and what we would like to do in the game. We need to do the basics well, and if we can retain possession and use it positively, I think we’ll have a chance to be successful.”

The match kicks off at 1.30pm SA time. | African News Agency (ANA)

SA TEAM:

15 Vuyolwethu Maqholo, 14 Nosiphiwo Goda, 13 Demi Nel, 12 Zinhle Ndawonde, 11 Snenhlanhla Shozi, 10 Zintle Mpupha, 9 Tayla Kinsey, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 6 Lusanda Dumke, 5 Nolusindiso Booi (capt), 4 Bernice Strydom, 3 Babalwa Latsha, 2 Annique Geswind, 1 Thantaswa Macingwane

16 Lindelwa Gwala, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Katlego Moremi, 19 Karthy Dludla, 20 Charmaine Kayser, 21 Felicia Jacobs, 22 Fundiswa Plaatjie, 23 Kirsten Conrad

Replacements: