Three uncapped players named as Bok Women opt for six-two bench against Uganda

Shaunique Alexander and Zethu Gcaza will earn their maiden test caps when the Springbok Women take on Uganda in the second round of the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Kenya on Wednesday, while Abigail Smit is in line to make her international debut off the bench at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.

The trio will complete the new cap tally for the nine uncapped players who left South Africa a week ago, with all six players who made their debuts against Madagascar, involved in the second match of the tournament as well.

Seven players who started in round one were retained in the starting team, with team captain Anathi Qolo moving from lock to flanker for this encounter, where she will replace Sinelitha Noxeke.

Alexander comes in on the wing in place of Nomawethu Mabenge for her first senior appearance in the green and gold, having represented the Junior Springbok Women three years ago at Under-20 level.

Smit will be part of a Bomb Squad bench with six forwards providing fresh legs during the match.

The other changes are all rotational. At fullback, Thamie Yeko will earn a first start with Chuma Qawe coming off the bench, while the two scrumhalves also swop jerseys. Insaaf Levy will start after making her debut as a replacement last week, with Anacadia Minnaar doubling up as back-up flyhalf too, due to the six forwards selected.

The front rows will also alternate, with Yonela Ngxingolo, Roseline Botes and Thandile Mazwi earning starts. and Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Anushka Groenewald and Nombuyekezo Mdliki providing impact.

Springbok Women assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt said the team selection was made easy because of the potential of the debutants and the versatility of those on the bench.

“We were really pleased with the contributions from our debutants in the match against Madagascar and hope to see the same from these three,” said Johannes-Haupt.

“Shaunique is a dangerous runner with good speed and an awareness of the game, so we are all excited to see her go.

“Abigail and Zethu are still Under-20, so for them to be playing at this level tells you a lot about their potential and where they can go. We are excited to see what they can bring to our system, and their selection is also a complement to our pathway structures.”

Johannes-Haupt expects the bench to deliver the needed momentum when called upon: “The nice thing in our team is the versatility of our forwards, which allows us the six-two split. Some of them can play in the backs when needed and that makes that call much easier. We had good impact from our bench in the previous game and expect the same tomorrow.”

The Bok assistant coach insisted they will not underestimate their opponents, who were beaten 43-10 by Kenya in their opening match on Saturday.

“We had a good look at Uganda, and it is clear they are not the Uganda of old,” she said. “They are well coached and sharpened up their breakdown very well, not allowing their opponents to get in there.

“They are looking after their own ball well and on attack, and they do not mind kicking into open spaces to make their opponents turn around. For us, our own game plan remains the most important goal for this match, and we want to take another step forward in our journey for this year.”

SPRINGBOK WOMEN SQUAD TO FACE UGANDA IN NAIROBI:

15 Thamie Yeko (EP Queens) – 1 cap, 5 points (1 try)

14 Alichia Arries (DHL Western Province) – 3 caps, 5 points (1 try)

13 Jakkie Cilliers (vice-captain, Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 22 caps, 124 points (10 tries, 30 conversions, 4 penalty goals)

12 Naima Hlatshwayo (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 1 cap, 0 points

11 Shaunique Alexander (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – uncapped

10 Mary Zulu (Sharks Women) – 16 caps, 45 points (1 try, 20 conversions)

9 Insaaf Levy (DHL Western Province) – 1 cap, 0 points

8 Logan Welman (DHL Western Province) – 1 cap, 5 points (1 try)

7 Anathi Qolo (captain, Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 12 caps, 5 points (1 try)

6 Ntsako Mbombi (Golden Lions Women) – 1 cap, 0 points

5 Nomsa Mokwai (DHL Western Province) – 14 caps, 0 points