Dumke to lead Springbok Women against Australia

Lusanda Dumke will lead the Springbok Women into battle on Saturday when they take on Australia at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town in the second round of WXV 2.

Dumke, playing in her 32nd test, will be wearing the captain’s armband for the third time in her career, having led South Africa twice against Kenya in 2021. She takes over the role from Nolusindiso Booi, who will play off the bench, from where she will be extending her national record to 48 test caps.

Dumke’s elevation into the starting XV is among a number of changes made by Swys de Bruin and the coaching staff for this match, following their 31-24 win over Japan last weekend.

Dumke takes over from Sizophila Solontsi at flanker, while Danelle Lochner swops jerseys with Booi in the other change to the starting pack.

In the backs, Unam Tose will make a first start at scrumhalf this year, while Zintle Mpupha comes in for Eloise Webb in the midfield, where she will combine with Chumisa Qawe, the vice-captain for Saturday.

Webb moves to fullback in place of Libbie Janse van Rensburg, who picked up a leg injury in training this week and was ruled out of the match.

De Bruin again opted for a split of six forwards and two backs on the bench, from where scrumhalf Felicia Jacobs and utility back Byrhandré Dolf are in line to make their first WXV appearances this year, while Solontsi will join the finishers this time around.

De Bruin reiterated the fact that the Rugby World Cup in England next year remains the main focus in evolving and selecting the squad and said this weekend’s match-23 were deemed best for the Australian challenge.

“We have 30 players in the squad and have the luxury of tweaking numbers here and there,” said De Bruin.

“Lusanda was not available for selection against Japan as she was completing her return to play protocols, but she is ready now and being the world-class player she is, will be at her best come Saturday. She is the captain of the Bulls Daisies as well, so she will not have any problems in that regard. It is also part of our strategy to build depth in the leadership group.

“Injuries are also part of the game. Last week we lost Lindelwa Gwala and this time around, Libbie is not available. As is always the case with injuries, it does create opportunities for the next player.”

De Bruin said they were not forced into any selections by Australia’s good win over Wales last weekend but did credit their performances.

“They really played well against Wales and that was probably the best performance of round one,” he said.

“For us though, it is all about ourselves and how we can best elevate our strengths and minimise our errors. We have a strategy for this match, have prepared well and will be ready to deliver a good performance at Athlone Stadium.”

SPRINGBOK WOMEN’S TEAM TO FACE AUSTRALIA IN CAPE TOWN:

15. Eloise Webb (Border Ladies) – 12 caps, 30 points (6 tries)

14. Jakkie Cilliers (Bulls Daisies) – 15 caps, 80 points (7 tries, 18 conversions, 3 penalty goals)

13. Zintle Mpupha (Bulls Daisies) – 22 caps, 101 points (19 tries, 3 conversions)

12. Chumisa Qawe (vice-captain; Bulls Daisies) – 17 caps, 20 points (4 tries)

11. Ayanda Malinga (Bulls Daisies) – 9 caps, 55 points (10 tries)

10. Nadine Roos (unattached) – 13 caps, 25 points (5 tries)

9. Unam Tose (Bulls Daisies) – 21 tests, 0 points

8. Aseza Hele (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 23 caps, 50 points (10 tries)

7. Sinazo Mcatshulwa (DHL Western Province) – 33 caps, 45 points (9 tries)

6. Lusanda Dumke (captain, Bulls Daisies) – 31 caps, 50 points (10 tries)

5. Vainah Ubisi (Bulls Daisies) – 16 caps, 20 points (4 tries)