Latsha to lead Springbok Women into battle

Babalwa Latsha, the most-capped Springbok Women tighthead prop, will not only anchor the South African scrum for the 41st time when they face the USA Eagles Women at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, but she has also been named as team captain for the 2026 season.

The 32-year-old Latsha has led the Bok Women on 15 occasions before, but following the retirement of long-standing captain Nolusindiso Booi at the end of last season, Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin has confirmed that Latsha will take the reins going forward.

“Babalwa is a natural leader and one of the best in the world in her position, which made it an easy decision,” said De Bruin. “She has a lot of captaincy experience and often stood in for Nolusindiso in the past, and she did very well.”

With regards to the team selection, De Bruin named a very settled side, with only two players in the starting team – Alichia Arries and Logan Welman – who did not feature at last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Arries, who made her test debut in 2021, excelled at the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup and was a stand-out player in the Pick n Pay Women’s Super League for DHL Western Province. She was also a regular for the Springbok Women’s Sevens in 2024.

Welman, who represented the Junior Springbok Women in 2024, made her senior test debut in Kenya in May, scoring three tries in as many tests as the Bok Women successfully defended their continental title, and she looks set for a long career in international rugby.

LEARNED FROM A 'GREAT LEADER'

In a slight tweak to his backline, De Bruin has opted to move Jakkie Cilliers to right wing, with Ayanda Malinga starting at outside centre.

De Bruin also included Thandile Mazwi, who made her test debut at the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup this season, as a replacement prop on the bench, where he again opted for a split of six forwards and two backs.

“That split has worked well for us last year and we have the players to continue with that plan,” the SA coach said.

Latsha said her elevation as captain for the season is a massive honour and that she was very proud to be entrusted with the responsibility.

“We had a great leader in Nolusindiso Booi over the last number of years, and I was lucky that I could learn a lot from her,” said Latsha.

“It is not about me however, but rather our team and the goals we have set to continue the good work we have done, especially last year when we qualified for the quarterfinals of the World Cup.”

Latsha said they are determined to start well on Saturday: “It is great playing the USA here at home for the first time. They have been a very consistent team over many years, exactly the type of opponent we want to measure ourselves against.

“We believe we are on an upward curve and they will test that. It is going to be a fantastic test match, and we can’t wait for the opportunity to play at home.”

The test kicks off at 13h30 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

SPRINGBOK WOMEN TEAM TO FACE USA IN JOHANNESBURG:

15 Byrhandré Dolf (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 26 caps, 64 points (7 tries, 13 conversions, 1 penalty goal)

14 Jakkie Cilliers (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 24 caps, 149 points (11 tries, 38 conversions, 6 penalty goals)

13 Ayanda Malinga (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 17 caps, 80 points (16 tries)

12 Aphiwe Ngwevu (Border Ladies) – 32 caps, 75 points (15 tries)

11 Alichia Arries (DHL Western Province) – 5 caps, 20 points (4 tries)

10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 30 caps, 219 points (14 tries, 55 conversions, 12 penalty goals, 1 drop goal)

9 Unam Tose (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 29 caps, 12 points (2 tries, 1 conversion)

8 Logan Welman (DHL Western Province) – 3 caps, 15 points (3 tries)

7 Catha Jacobs (Golden Lions Women) – 26 caps, 5 Points (1 try)

6 Sizophila Solontsi (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 31 caps, 45 points (9 tries)