History beckons for the Springbok Women on Sunday, knowing that victory against Italy will secure a top two finish and a guaranteed place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup tournament.
Kick off on Sunday, 31 August, is at 16:30 (SA time) in York.
LIVE SCORING: Springbok Women v Italy
Teams
South Africa: 15 Nadine Roos, 14 Byrhandré Dolf, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Ayanda Malinga, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Unam Tose, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Danelle Lochner, 4 Nolusindiso Booi (captain), 3 Babalwa Latsha, 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie
Replacements: 16 Micke Gunter, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Vainah Ubisi, 20 Lerato Makua, 21 Catha Jacobs, 22 Eloise Webb, 23 Aphiwe Ngwevu
Italy: 15 Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, 14 Aura Muzzo, 13 Michela Sillari, 12 Beatrice Rigoni, 11 Alyssa D’Inca, 10 Emma Stevanin, 9 Sofia Stefan, 8 Elisa Giordana Duca, 7 Beatrice Veronese, 6 Francesca Sgorbini, 5 Giordana Duca, 4 Sara Tounesi, 3 Sara Seye, 2 Vittoria Veccheni, 1 Silvia Turani.
Replacements: 16 Layra Gurioli, 17 Emanuela Stecca, 18 Gaia Maris, 19 Valeria Fedrighi, 20 Alissa Ranuccini, 21 Alia Bitonci, 22 Sara Mannini, 23 Francesca Granzotto.
Records:
- Nolusindiso Booi will extend her record as most capped Bok Women player. She was also named captain for the 25th time, another team record.
- Booi (lock, 53), Babalwa Latsha (prop, 37), Sinazo Mcatshulwa (flanker, 39), Lindelwa Gwala (hooker, 36) will extend their Test caps records in their respective positions.
- Libbie Janse van Rensburg could extend the record (219) for most points in a Test career for the Springbok Women.
- Zintle Mpupha could extend the record for most tries (20) in a Test career for the Springbok Women.
Head-to-Head – South Africa v Italy:
25/11/2018 (Prato): 10-35
20/10/2023 (Athlone): 18-36
12/10/2024 (Athlone): 19-23
Rugby World Cup records:
Most appearances:
15: Zandile Nojoko
13: Lamla Momoti, Zenay Jordaan
12: Cebisa Kula, Nolusindiso Booi
Most points in a match:
16: Byrhandré Dolf (v Brazil, 2025)
Most tries in a match:
3: Aseza Hele (v Brazil, 2025)
Match details:
Venue: York Community Stadium, York
SA time: 16:30
Referee: Ella Goldsmith (Australia)
Assistant referees: Precious Pazani (Zimbabwe), Maria Heitor (Portugal)
TMO: Andrew McMenemy (Scotland)
Bunker: Ian Tempest (England)
WHAT IS YOUR SCORE PREDICTION?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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