The Springbok Women’s rugby team has announced its squad for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand, set to take place on Saturday in Exeter. Coach Swys de Bruin has unveiled a team with a number of key changes, including the return of regular captain Nolusindiso Booi and playmaker Libbie Janse van Rensburg.
The team will face reigning champions the Black Ferns with a bench consisting of seven forwards and one back, Eloise Webb. This 7-1 split is a deliberate tactical decision, according to De Bruin, who believes that deploying two fresh packs in each half will be crucial against a strong opponent like New Zealand.
The starting lineup includes Booi, Janse van Rensburg, and other vital players such as Lindelwa Gwala, Danelle Lochner, Sizophila Solontsi, Zintle Mpupha, and Ayanda Malinga. The bench will also feature locks Vainah Ubisi and Anathi Qolo, loose forwards Catha Jacobs and Lerato Makua, and a robust front row consisting of Yonela Nxgingola, Luchell Hanekom, and Nombuyekezo Mdliki.
De Bruin emphasized the importance of physical dominance in the match, stating that the team is prepared to adopt this tactic to take on the Black Ferns. As the team prepares for this high-stakes quarter-final, De Bruin has urged his players to leave everything on the field, saying, “This is the biggest game of your lives, go out and enjoy it.”
The Springbok Women’s team is looking to make history in this match, and all eyes will be on them as they take on the reigning champions. The team has made significant changes to its lineup, with 10 players switched from the team that faced France last week. With a strong squad and a clear tactical plan, the Springbok Women are ready to face the challenge of the quarter-final.
The Women’s Rugby World Cup has been an exciting tournament so far, with the Springbok Women showing impressive skill and determination. As the team gears up for this monumental match, fans around the world will be watching with bated breath to see how they perform against the Black Ferns. The outcome of this quarter-final will have significant implications for the team’s chances of advancing in the tournament.
