women
international women
Springbok women start theirs WXV Global Series campaign against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park this Friday 18th September.
Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September, who were recently appointed as coaches, have reshuffled the backline and made one change to the pack that scored four tries against the Black Ferns in Johannesburg a few weeks ago.
The side will be captained by Babalwa Latsha, who made his Cardiff Arms Park debut in 2018, while Lindelwa Gwala and Sanelisiwe Charlie will complete the front row.
Vice-captain Libbie Janse van Rensburg, who scored a try in the Springbok Women’s last appearance at the same venue in 2021 and could extend her Test points record (221) in this match, gets 10 and will be joined by Felicia Jacobs in the half-backs partnership.
Maria Tshiremba, who scored a hat-trick on debut against Fiji last month, he reverted to full-backs, with Maceala Samboya and Aphiwe Ngwevu partnered in midfield.
In a forward change, Logan Welman will replace Aseza Hele at No.8, with Hele on the bench.
The Boks have opted for a six-two split on the bench, with props Xoliswa Khuzwayo and Nomsomsal Mdliki, and lock retained by Nomsa Mokwai.
The backline positions will be covered by Jakkie Cilliers and Patience Mokone, while striker Sinelitha Noxeke has been added in the hope of having a bomb impact.
Springbok Women co-coach Franzel September said they want to use the WXV Global Series to build squad depth and maximize starting opportunities for players who have been on the bench in recent Test matches.
He explained: “We are well on our way to the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029, not only in our planning but also in giving the players the experience at the highest level, something that this WXV Global Series will provide. This opening weekend is important for us as we have to set the tone for the remaining two matches. So we have stuck to what we know, but we also recognize that we need to broaden our base.
“Yes, it will be huge in the set stages as we are both strong in that department. I am pleased with our progress in that area of our game in the eight matches we have played this year, but we know Wales will ask different questions here in Cardiff. We have prepared well and will be up for the challenge.”
2026 WXV Global Series | South Africa match day 23 v wales
15 Byrhandré Dolf (SA Rugby contract) – 30 games, 81 points (8 tries, 19 conversions, 1 penalty)
14 Maria Tshiremba (SA Rugby contract) – 1 game, 15 points (3 tries)
13 Maceal Samboy (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 11 games, 25 points (5 tries)
12 Aphiwe Ngwevu (Border Ladies) – 36 games, 85 points (17 tries)
11 Ayanda Malinga (SA Rugby contract) – 20 appearances, 85 points (17 tries)
10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg (SA Rugby contract) – 35 games, 221 points (14 tries, 56 conversions, 12 penalty goals, 1 drop goal)
9 Felicia Jacobs (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 13 appearances, 15 points (3 tries)
8 Logan Welman (DHL Western Province) – 6 appearances, 25 points (5 tries)
7 Catha Jacobs (Golden Lions, Women) – 31 games, 5 points (1 try)
6 Sizophila Solontsi (SA Rugby contract) – 36 appearances, 50 points (10 tries)
5 Danelle Lochner (Harlequins Women) – 25 appearances, 10 points (2 tries)
4 Vainah Ubisi (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 27 games, 45 points (9 attempts)
3 Babalwa Latsha (captain, DHL Western Province) – 44 appearances, 40 points (8 tries)
2 Lindelwa Gwala (Sharks Women) – 41 games, 90 points (18 tries)
1 Sanelisiwe Charlie (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 33 games, 10 points (2 tries)
Replacements:
16 Micke Gunter (Leicester Tigers) – 18 games, 10 points (2 tries)
17 Xoliswa Khuzwayo (Golden Lions, Women) – 14 games, 10 points (2 tries)
18 Nomcomals Mdliki (Border Ladies) – 16 appearances, 10 points (2 tries)
19 Nomsa Mokwai (DHL Western Province) – 20 appearances, 0 points
20 Aseza Hele (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 35 games, 85 points (17 tries)
21 Sinelitha Noxeke (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 9 games, 5 points (1 try
22 Jakkie Cilliers (Toulon Provence Méditerranée Rugby Club) – 26 games, 157 points (11 tries, 42 conversions, 6 penalties)
23 Patience Mokone (SA Rugby contract) – 5 games, 20 points (4 tries)
