Nolusindiso Booi to captain experienced Springbok Women in crucial Test against Canada
Image: BackpagePix
Nolusindiso Booi will lead the Springbok Women in her 51st cap when they take on second-ranked Canada on Saturday in Pretoria in one of their toughest World Cup preparation matches to date.
The Bok Women selected a core of experienced players for the first of two Tests as they look to up the intensity ahead of the tournament starting next month in England.
Only five players in the starting XV have less than 20 caps, but they are all in the double figures as performance coach Swys de Bruin and his assistants look to lay a strong marker at Loftus Versfeld (1.30 pm kick-off).
The #BokWomen team to face Canada in Pretoria on Saturday, in what will be one of their most challenging Tests in a while - more here: https://t.co/kpGS97ePtn 💚💛#MakeItCount #ETTIG pic.twitter.com/rF2jjZVqv5 — SA Women's Rugby (@WomenBoks) July 3, 2025
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Eight players have experience against Canada, with scrumhalf Tayla Kinsey, tighthead prop Babalwa Latsha, Booi, winger Jakkie Cilliers, flyhalf Libbie Janse van Rensburg, No 8 Aseza Hele, lock Danelle Lochner and loosehead Sanelisiwe Charlie. Outside centre Zinthle Mphupa, the team's leading try scorer, and hooker Micke Gunter will start for the team for the first time this year.
'Canada is not only ranked second in the world, but they are also full of confidence after an undefeated run in the recent Pacific Four tournament,' De Bruin said with his team announcement.
'We need matches like these tough ones as we get our final plans in place ahead of the Rugby World Cup. It is all good to train well and we did so over a number of months, but now we need to test our systems and plans against Canada, who are one of the favourites to win the World Cup.'
Catha Jacobs is well-aware of Canada's threats across the park, but she insists the #BokWomen are ready to bring some fire to the Test on Saturday - more here: https://t.co/5HDzGVkMv1 🔥#MakeItCount #ETTIG pic.twitter.com/forbb32Gjx — SA Women's Rugby (@WomenBoks) July 1, 2025
However, De Bruin feels the experience they were able to select will stand the team in good stead. He's selected one of the most experienced Springbok Women's sides with 17 players in the match-day squad who have World Cup experience after playing in New Zealand.
'They will be aware of the pressure Canada put on their opponents and how well they have played in recent seasons. We are looking inward, though, for this match, and our focus will be on executing our way of play.
They know it won't be easy, but Jakkie Cilliers said the #BokWomen are intent on giving it a full go when they face Canada in Pretoria on Saturday - more here: https://t.co/3XI0u00IbH 👊#MakeItCount #ETTIG pic.twitter.com/taZ6Qe5Wyd — SA Women's Rugby (@WomenBoks) June 30, 2025
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