The Bulls Daisies have rotated nine players into the matchday 23 for their domestic derby against the Cell C Sharks, a match scheduled to take place on Saturday 22 July 2023, at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Kick-off for the Women’s Premier Division clash is set for 14h00.
The Highveld-Coastal bout will be broadcast LIVE on SuperSport channel 211, a moment to cherish for the Tshwane-based outfit according to the Women’s Rugby High Performance and Special Projects Manager, Thando Manana.
“The LIVE broadcast of this fixture is another landmark milestone for women’s rugby in South Africa and a true show of commitment by SuperSport to walk the talk and truly be #HereForHer. This form of commitment and momentum will help to grow the women’s game more and I am confident that the more homes we reach with this women’s rugby product, the more youngsters we are going to inspire to continue wanting to play the game across Mzansi.”
Back on the field after the competition’s week-long bye, Hayden Groepes has assembled a much changed forward pack with Asithandile Ntoyanto (loose-head), Micke Gunter (hooker), and Rachelle du Plessis (tight-head) in the front row. Sinelitha Noxeke and Anathi Qolo combine as the lock combination whilst round nine starters, Lusanda Dumke (blindside) and Rights Mkhari (openside) both retain their jerseys at flank with Sizophila Solontsi behind them at eight.
At half-back, Mahlatse Nkumishe retains her spot at scrum-half, pairing up with Libbie Janse van Rensburg who starts at fly-half. On the wings, Patience Mokone will lace up her boots on the left with Jacomina Cilliers on the right. Marelize de Bruin (inside) and Zintle Mpupha (outside) combine at centre with Zintle Nonkosana also retaining her jersey at fullback.
The impact squad will see Boitumelo Phakane, Lebogang Ralebona, Yonela Ngxingolo, Lerato Makua, Kayla de Vries, Rumandi Potgieter, Unathi Mali and Byhandre Dolf all provide additional firepower as the Bulls Daisies look to solidify their log position with the competition nearing its business end.
BULLS DAISIES vs CELL C SHARKS STARTING XV: 1. Asithandile Ntoyanto, 2. Micke Gunter, 3. Rachelle du Plessis, 4. Sinelitha Noxeke, 5. Anathi Qolo, 6. Lusanda Dumke (c), 7. Rights Mkhari, 8. Sizophila Solontsi, 9. Mahlatse “Lucky” Nkumishe, 10. Libbie Janse van Rensburg (vc), 11. Patience Mokone, 12. Marelize de Bruin, 13. Zintle Mpupha, 14. Jacomina Cilliers, 15. Zintle Nonkosana
BULLS DAISIES IMPACT SQUAD: 16. Boitumelo Phakane, 17. Lebogang Ralebona, 18. Yonela Ngxingolo, 19. Lerato Makua, 20. Kayla de Vries, 21. Rumandi Potgieter, 22. Unathi Mali, 23. Byhandre Dolf
MANAGEMENT: Hayden Groepes - Head Coach, Mandisa Williams - Assistant Coach, Dr. Sbu Ntuli - Team Doctor, Karabo Morokane - Physiotherapist, Lenel Allison - Physiotherapist, Tayla Chidrawi - Strength & Conditioning, Nokuthula Nene - Technical Analyst, Luyolo Tandani - Logistic Manager, Swazi Bisset - Partnerships Manager, Thando Manana - Women’s High-Performance Manager