The Springbok Women’s rugby team has announced its squad for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter‑final against New Zealand, which will be played on Saturday in Exeter. Coach Swys de Bruin unveiled a side that includes several key changes, most notably the return of regular captain Nolusindiso Booi and playmaker Libbie Janse van Rensburg.
The Springboks will face the reigning champions, the Black Ferns, with a bench composed 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 features 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 include locks Vainah Ubisi and Anathi Qolo, loose forwards Catha Jacobs and Lerato Makua, and a robust front row of Yonela Nxgingola, Luchell Hanekom and Nombuyekezo Mdliki. De Bruin emphasized the importance of physical dominance, stating that the team is prepared to adopt this approach to take on the Black Ferns.
As the squad prepares for this high‑stakes quarter‑final, de Bruin 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 are looking to make history, and all eyes will be on them as they challenge the reigning champions.
Significant changes have been made to the lineup, with ten players swapped from the team that faced France last week. With a strong squad and a clear tactical plan, the Springbok Women are ready to meet the challenge of the quarter‑final. The tournament has been exciting so far, and the Springboks have shown impressive skill and determination. As they gear up for this monumental match, fans worldwide will watch with bated breath to see how they perform against the Black Ferns, knowing the outcome will have major implications for their chances of advancing in the competition.
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