Zintle Mpupha and Micke Gunter will return to the starting lineup for the Springbok Women to face Canada at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday, marking their first encounter with the North Americans.
Both players last featured for the Bok Women in the WXV 2 against Italy, missing this year’s Tests due to Sevens obligations and injury, respectively.
Their inclusion adds experience and depth in what will be South Africa’s first home clash against Canada in history. Mpupha, South Africa’s top try-scorer, offers attacking firepower while Gunter strengthens the scrum from the No 2 jersey.
EXPERIENCE CAMPAIGNERS READY FOR BATTLE
Captain Nolusindiso Booi will lead the Springbok Women for a record 22nd time in her landmark 51st Test match. She surpasses Mandisa Williams, who shares the previous captaincy record and will serve as flag bearer this Saturday.
Scrumhalf Tayla Kinsey extends her Test record to 40 matches, the most for any South African in her position.
Babalwa Latsha (35 Tests) and Sinazo Mcatshulwa (37 Tests) further boost a seasoned Springbok pack for the Loftus encounter.
Mcatshulwa and Chumisa Qawe move from bench roles in that game to starting positions against Canada at Loftus Versfeld. Catha Jacobs, Yonela Ngxingolo and Byrhandré Dolf return to the bench, having also featured in last year’s 66-7 defeat to Canada.
Eight Springbok Women players starting Saturday’s game also played in that loss to Canada in March 2023.
SPRINGBOK WOMEN BOSS EXPECTS FIERCE BATTLE
Performance coach Swys de Bruin expects a massive challenge against world No. 2 ranked Canada at altitude in Pretoria.
He views the match as crucial preparation for the World Cup, which kicks off next month for the Springbok Women.
“Canada have form and confidence after winning the Pacific Four,” said De Bruin ahead of Saturday’s Test match kickoff.
De Bruin wants his team to remain physical, stay disciplined, and use Loftus crowd energy to boost their performance.
He emphasised the need to expand attacking options while maintaining intense defensive pressure on a well-drilled Canadian side.
The Springbok Women will look to play their way, with an eye on testing strategies ahead of next month’s tournament.
“This match will be a key indicator of our readiness and progress toward the Rugby World Cup,” De Bruin added.
BROADCAST NOTE
The Test match kicks off at 13h30 on Saturday and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Springbok Women – 15 Nadine Roos, 14 Jakkie Cilliers, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Ayanda Malinga, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Tayla Kinsey, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Danelle Lochner,
4 Nolusindiso Booi (captain), 3 Babalwa Latsha, 2 Micke Gunter, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie.
Subs: 16 Luchell Hanekom, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Nomsa Mokwai, 20 Lerato Makua, 21 Catha Jacobs, 22 Byrhandré Dolf, 23 Eloise Webb.
WHICH TEAM BETWEEN THE SPRINGBOK WOMEN AND CANADA WILL WIN ON SATURDAY?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
