Dumke declared fit for WXV 2 campaign

Lusanda Dumke, a former SA Women's Player of the Year, has been included in the Springbok Women’s squad of 30 players for WXV 2, to be played in Cape Town from 27 September to 13 October, while Maria Tshiremba has also been included in the group.

Springbok Women performance coach Swys de Bruin decided to rope in Tshiremba, who has played at international level before, for the Springbok Women's Sevens team. The Bulls Daisies speedster is the only uncapped player in the squad.

Neither were involved in Thursday's 36-19 victory over Spain at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town, the same venue where South Africa will face Japan on Friday in their WXV 2 opener.

Dumke has recovered from a foot injury sustained in the Women's Premier Division final, where she captained the Bulls Daisies to a second title in as many years, while Tshiremba's inclusion comes after Shaunique Hess (wing) suffered a hand fracture against Spain, ruling her out of the tournament.

“It is great to have Lusanda fit and ready to go,” said De Bruin. “She has massive experience and brings not only a wonderful breakdown ability to the squad, but strong leadership as well.

"It was unfortunate for Shaunique to sustain the injury so close to WXV, but that opens the door for Maria, who really impressed me since she joined the squad almost five weeks ago and her sheer pace will be a factor. We were lucky to have a small group of standby players with us in Cape Town, so Maria could slot in the moment Shaunique's injury was confirmed.

“I am pleased with the squad, I think we have a good mix of forward power and play-making ability among the backs to be very competitive when we face Japan, Australia and Italy in the coming weeks.”

In total, 18 of the group were part of the inaugural event last year, where South Africa played Scotland, Italy and Samoa to finish in third position.

Springbok Women’s WXV 2 fixtures:

South Africa v Japan

Date: Friday, 27 September

Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town

Kick-off: 16h00

South Africa v Australia

Date: Saturday, 5 October

Venue: Athlone Stadium, Cape Town

Kick-off: 17h00

South Africa v Italy

Date: Saturday, 12 October

Venue: Athlone Stadium, Cape Town

Kick-off: 14h00

© SA Rugby