Springboks captain Siya Kolisi joined the Springbok Women’s team in their preparations for the final WXV 2 match against Italy at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town this Saturday, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Also read: Update: Possibility of Southern Lights as major solar storm approaches
Kolisi was seen providing guidance and putting the Women’s Boks through their paces as they aim to end the tournament on a high note. Following a victory against Japan, they suffered a narrow defeat to Australia last weekend at the same venue.
Currently enjoying a break after a successful Rugby Championship campaign, Kolisi was a vocal supporter during the match against the Wallaroos, watching from the stands in full Springboks gear.
On Thursday, he actively participated in a training session alongside team boss Swys de Bruin and his coaching staff, helping to prepare the squad for the crucial clash against Italy. De Bruin and the Women’s Boks view this tier two tournament as a stepping stone in their preparations for next year’s Rugby World Cup in England.
In the latest updates, wing Nomawethu Mabenge and uncapped prop Nombuyekezo Mdliki have been brought into the squad as injury replacements for the match against Italy. Mabenge is set to take the right-wing position previously held by Jakkie Cilliers, marking her 18th Test appearance, while Mdliki, a former Junior Springbok Women’s player, is poised to make her Test debut off the bench.
Cilliers, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, and Maceala Samboya all sustained injuries last week and will miss Saturday’s match, allowing Mabenge and Mdliki to step into the squad.
De Bruin and his coaching staff have made several adjustments to the starting line-up that narrowly lost to the Wallaroos, particularly in the forward pack. Nolusindiso Booi returns as captain, swapping roles with Danelle Lochner, who will now serve as an impact player.
Lusanda Dumke retains her place at flank, joining Catha Jacobs (flank) and Sizophila Solontsi (No 8) in a revamped loose forward combination. Sinazo Mcatshulwa and Aseze Hele will now be available off the bench.
The experienced front row of Yonela Nxingolo, Lindelwa Gwala, and Babalwa Latsha reunites for the first time since July 2022, when they played against Japan in Kamaishi. Gwala has recovered from a calf strain that sidelined her during the first two WXV matches, stepping in for Roseline Botes at hooker. Nxingolo will switch roles with Sanelisiwe Charie, who started the earlier games, while Mdliki replaces Azisa Mkiva on the bench.
In the backline, Mabenge’s inclusion and Tayla Kinsey’s return at scrum-half are the only changes. Kinsey is the sole backline player remaining from last year’s WXV 2 match against Italy at the same venue, while Jacobs, Dumke, Booi, and Latsha are the only forwards returning.
‘We tweaked around a bit in order to look at more combinations and sadly had to call for replacements as well due to the three injuries,’ said De Bruin. ‘That said, we still have good momentum going into this last game, an important one for us as it is another opportunity to beat a better ranked team.’
Springbok Women XV:
15 Eloise Webb, 14 Nomawethu Mabenge, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Ayanda Malinga, 10 Nadine Roos, 9 Tayla Kinsey, 8 Sizophila Solontsi, 7 Catha Jacobs, 6 Lusanda Dumke, 5 Vainah Ubisi, 4 Nolusindiso Booi, 3 Babalwa Latsha, 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Yonela Ngxingolo
Replacements: 16 Micke Gunter, 17 Sanelisiwe Charlie, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Danelle Lochner, 20 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 21 Aseza Hele, 22 Unam Tose, 23 Byrhandrè Dolf
Also read:
Suspected human bones found on Glencairn Beach – police investigate
Picture: Grant Pitcher / Gallo Images
