By Ayanda Nyuswa
Springbok Women performance coach Swys de Bruin has named a strong Springbok Women squad for their 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup opener against Brazil at Franklin’s Garden in Northampton on Sunday. Only four players in the starting team (Byhandre Dolf, Meceala Samboya, Ayanda Malinga and Danelle Lochner) and two on the replacements bench (Vainah Ubisi and Nombuyekezo Mdliki) have not previously featured for South Africa at the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
The remaining 17 players have the experience of wearing the green and gold at the highest level of women’s Rugby. Experienced captain Nolusindiso Booi will once again lead the team at the World Cup and extend her appearance record for South Africa to 52 caps, with 25 of those wearing the captain’s armband.
A total of eight players will form combinations in the starting 15 for the second successive World Cup opener, after featuring against France in Auckland three years ago. The midfield duo of Zintle Mpupha and Aphiwe Ngwevu, loose trio of Aseza Hele, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Sizophila Solontsi and the front row combination of Sanelisiwe Charlie, Lindelwa Gwala and Babalwa Latsha will once again don the green and gold in a World Cup opener. Half backs Nadine Roos and Libbe Janse van Rensberg are also among the starters who were present in New Zealand, while Catha Jacobs and Unam Tose will also bring their experience off the bench
After facing newcomers Brazil, the Bok Women will travel to Huntington for a clash against Italy (31 August) and then close off Pool D action against France in Northampton (7 September).
