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IOL News
6 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Springbok Women's squad boosted for Black Ferns XV tour to South Africa
SPRINGBOK Women to take on the Black Ferns XV in two matches in Cape Town in what will be South Africa's final preparation for next month's World Cup in England. | Henk Kruger, Independent Newspapers Springbok Women coach Swys de Bruin has named a 32-player squad to take on the Black Ferns XV in two matches in Cape Town in what will be South Africa's final preparation for next month's World Cup in England. The matches against the touring New Zealanders will be played at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm on 26 July and 2 August. De Bruin added six players to the group that concluded the two-Test series against Canada in Pretoria and Gqeberha, with the recall of Vainah Ubisi the most significant. Ubisi has completed the final stages of her rehabilitation following knee surgery and the lock, who has been capped 18 times since 2023, should make her first appearance of the year for the national team in one of the two matches. Four players who formed part of the Rugby Africa Women's Cup winning group — Mary Zulu, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Anathi Qolo and Faith Tshauke — rejoin the squad as well as Maceala Samboya, who toured France and Spain with the team earlier this year. The squad consists of 13 backs and 19 forwards, and De Bruin said the new players will have no problems slotting back in. 'We are very close to our final World Cup squad and those six joining the group have played and toured with us in the past,' said De Bruin. 'They are up to date with our plays and structures, so we can get our hands dirty from our first session on Monday, to be best prepared for the two matches. 'I am happy to see Vainah back in the mix as well. She is one of the best in her position and we followed her rehabilitation with interest. Credit to the medical staff who helped her on the way.' De Bruin admitted that the Black Ferns XV will provide a very stiff challenge: 'They have the whole bag of tricks in their squad. They have Black Ferns players who will be on the standby list for World Cup selection, a strong group of players who have good experience in their Super Rugby Aupiki tournament, and some very promising youngsters coming through the ranks. 'We need to be tested in all areas of our game, so welcome that. Canada did provide clarity on some of our work-ons and this Black Ferns XV team will hopefully do the same.' Springbok Women squad for the Black Ferns XV matches Forwards: Sanelisiwe Charlie (Bulls Daisies), Yonela Ngxingolo (Bulls Daisies), Babalwa Latsha (unattached), Azisa Mkiva (Western Province), Nombuyekezo Mdliki (Border Ladies), Micke Gunter (unattached),Luchell Hanekom (Western Province), Roseline Botes (Western Province), Danelle Lochner (Harlequins Women), Nolusindiso Booi (captain, Western Province), Nomsa Mokwai (Western Province), Vainah Ubisi (Bulls Daisies), Anathi Qolo (Bulls Daisies), Sinazo Mcatshulwa (unattached), Lerato Makua (Bulls Daisies), Catha Jacobs (unattached), Aseza Hele (Sanlam Boland Dames), Sizophila Solontsi (Bulls Daisies), Faith Tshauke (Bulls Daisies). Backs: Byrhandré Dolf (Bulls Daisies), Jakkie Cilliers (Bulls Daisies), Ayanda Malinga (Bulls Daisies), Maceala Samboya (Sanlam Boland Dames), Zintle Mpupha (Bulls Daisies), Libbie Janse van Rensburg (Bulls Daisies), Chumisa Qawe (Bulls Daisies), Aphiwe Ngwevu (Border Ladies), Eloise Webb (Border Ladies), Mary Zulu (Sharks Women), Unam Tose (Bulls Daisies), Nadine Roos (Springbok Women's Sevens), Tayla Kinsey (Sharks Women).
The Herald
09-07-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
Kariega's Dolf eager to play in front of home fans
Growing up playing touch rugby with some boys in Pelican Street in Rosedale, Kariega, taught Springbok Women fullback Byrhandre Dolf how to step past bigger people, hence her dream to meet Cheslin Kolbe, who has perfected that art on the rugby field. And as soon as Dolf had moved from playing on tar to grass when her talents were recognised, she was invited to play rugby with her peers. Imagine Dolf's joy when the Springbok Women and Springboks flew from Johannesburg to Gqeberha on the same flight on Sunday, and she found herself seated next to Kolbe. As she recalls enthusiastically: 'We talked a bit of rugby, and he gave me some stepping tips.' Since boarding the flight to the Friendly City, Dolf has not stopped smiling. Not only did she score a wonderful try against Canada in the first Test at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, where she plays her provincial rugby for the Bulls Daisies, but then, after spending some time on the plane with Kolbe, she realised she was home when the plane touched down at the Dawid Stuurman International Airport. 'It was such a great feeling to be back. Rugby takes you to many places, but it also takes you away from home a lot, so for me to come back here was such a great feeling,' she said after the Bok Women completed their second training session of the week. This focused squarely on a better result than the 50-20 defeat suffered in Pretoria. 'We trained nicely so far, and we actually took some confidence from that game, despite the result. 'We scored three very good tries and realised that the gap between them as number two ranked team in the world, and ourselves is not that big, providing that we limit our soft moments and stay in the fight.' For Dolf, who made her Test debut against Canada 21 matches ago in 2023, the positives outweigh the negatives coming into the second clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. 'We focused on playing with more intensity and not having those 'switched off' moments, and that already worked well for us at training. 'I am optimistic that we will be a much harder team to break down this weekend,' she said. Dolf will be playing in the green and gold in front of her family for the first time, especially doing so in front of her grandmother, Lizzie Jantjies, with whom she lived from the age of eight. 'She is going to be there and see me play and that is special, as well as other family and friends,' Dolf said, adding that her previous experience at the iconic city landmark was equally memorable. 'I was already playing rugby at the time and loving it and also doing well, having played for the Eastern Province U16 and U18 teams at the National Girls Weeks. 'In 2021, when the Springboks played against Argentina, I was actually a ball retriever inside the stadium for that match and when I handed Malcolm Marx the ball to throw into the line-out, I was the happiest person ever, being so close to a rugby idol.' A lot of time has passed since and for Dolf, a lot of accolades have happened. She captained the Junior Springbok Women in 2022, made her Test debut a year later and went on to play in 21 Tests, scoring seven tries (and one conversion) in the green and gold, and missing only three Tests since that debut. 'That day I gave Malcolm the ball was huge for me and, since then, a lot of good things happened for me in rugby,' she said. — SA Rugby Communications
IOL News
01-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Jakkie Cilliers' boot could be key to Bok Women's chances of success against Canada
Springbok Women and Bulls Daisies goal-kicking specialist Jakkie Cilliers is pleased with her recent return to form as the Boks gear up to take on Canada on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld. Image: AYANDA NDAMANE Independent Newspapers Springbok Women's goal-kicking ace Jakkie Cilliers' recent uptick in form could be crucial to the team's chances against Canada, and in the tight matches at the World Cup. The 24-year-old wing, who sometimes plays at outside centre, is the first-choice goal kicker for the Boks and the Bulls Daisies. The Springbok Men's team has demonstrated the value of an accurate goal kicker on the biggest stage of all, especially when matches are decided by one or two points. At the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, a hat-trick of one-point wins led them to a historic fourth title. The Springbok Women, like the men, play a forwards-dominated game, and the ability to capitalise on the penalties that accrue from the often relentless pressure is crucial. 'I am kicking well again,' said Cilliers. 'I did go through a bit of a tough patch and had help from a couple of people, but on our recent tour to Europe, coach Swys de Bruin just tweaked something small and suddenly I am kicking them from all over the place again.' Cilliers hopes her name is read out on Thursday when the team is announced for the first Test against Canada – the Bok Women's second at Loftus Versfeld. If she is in the matchday 23, it will be the second time she takes on the North Americans and this time, Cilliers believes, they have a chance to pull off a surprise win. Two years ago, Cilliers was part of the squad that lost 66-7 to Canada in Madrid. She is a perfectionist when it comes to her kicking, and she hopes to have a chance to make up for the penalty attempt she missed in the Spanish capital. Former England-based forward Catha Jacobs was able to offer her Springbok Women teammates valuable insights into Canada's players ahead of this Saturday's Test match. Image: BackpagePix Intimate knowledge of the home conditions will count in the left-footed kicker's favour. The clash at Loftus (1.30pm kick-off) will be the first between the Bok Women and the North Americans on South African soil. 'Loftus is not the easiest place to play, especially if you are not used to the altitude and once that gets to you, it is tough,' Cilliers said. 'Most of our players know the surface well, how the ball bounces and even how easy it is to lose your footing, so that is something that could add to the small margins in any game. 'We know Canada are really playing well but having firsthand knowledge of the stadium and the surface and being used to the altitude will certainly be to our benefit.' Having played against most of the Canadian team on a regular basis in England, Springbok Women's utility forward Catha Jacobs is in a good position to act as a sounding board for her teammates. Jacobs, who just completed a three-year stint with the Leicester Tigers Women, where she played with Canadian flyhalf Claire Gallagher – but also against 14 other Canadians plying their trade in the English league – had some good insights to share with the rest of the South African side. 'Individually, they are really skilful and one can see why – if you put them all in one team – they are number two in the world,' said Jacobs.
IOL News
10-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Springbok Women prepare for challenging match against Kenya in Rugby Africa Women's Cup
Patience Mokone of the Bulls Daisies scored a brace on debut for SA in the Rugby Africa Women's Cup opener against Uganda in Madagascar. Image: Backpagepix The Springbok Women's coaches have trusted in the team that started their Rugby Africa Women's Cup opener, to again get the job done against Kenya at Stade Makis in Antananarivo on Wednesday (12om kick-off). The only change from the team that beat Uganda 62-7 is on the bench, where Nompumelelo Mathe will add impact as a loose-forward, with wing Nomawethu Mabenge missing out. The vote of confidence in the side that scored 10 tries in their opening round victory will be a boost. The extra player in the pack an indication that the team will not deviate from their forward-based game against Kenya, who opened their campaign with a good 28-5 win over Madagascar. It is also a sign of the physical challenge that the Bok Women, led by lock Anathi Qolo, expect from Kenya. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'We targeted a strong start in the first match and got that, so now the focus moves to the next one, against Kenya,' September said, after the opening round win. 'They scored a good win over Madagascar and are a physical side, so we will now get ready for that challenge on Wednesday.' The Bok Women's squad will have no uncapped players, unlike in their opening match when eight players ran out in the green and gold for the first time. One of those, Patience Mokone, celebrated her Test debut with two well-taken tries. 'It was a great feeling and an emotional one to walk onto the field, sing the national anthem and know that I am representing my country, but also my family on the international stage,' said Mokone. 'I was a bit nervous due to the occasion, but once I got settled in, it became just another match.' Powerful No 8 Faith Tshauke, who also scored a brace against Uganda on debut, was immense in that match and will take some stopping. Fullback Byrhandrè Dolf was also able to pull the strings for the Bok Women on attack. Unlike the inexperienced Cranes, the Kenyans are expected to be a serious challenge, but the Bok Women will be prepared, according to Mokone. 'This is our next job and we want to get it done," Mokone said. I have to focus on my role in the team and make sure I get that done. "It is not about me on Wednesday, it is about my contribution to the team. I have always played rugby that way, so nothing has changed,' she said. The Springbok Women have beaten the Kenya Lionesses in their last six matches, the latest result being a 63-5 victory in last year's edition of the tournament. That thrashing was preceded by a 77-12 mauling in Cape Town and 48-0 drubbing in Antananarivo in 2023. The Kenyans will, however, be buoyed by their recent triumphs over SA in the sevens arena, and will be hoping to replicate this form in the fifteens game. Although they have a healthy rivalry with Kenya, it will not distract from the focus of the defending champions.
IOL News
06-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Anathi Qolo embraces Springbok Women's leadership role ahead of Africa Cup
The Springbok Women are gearing up for a tough battle in the Africa Cup in Madagascar. Image: Henk Kruger, Independent Newspapers Springbok Women's skipper Anathi Qolo said being handed the armband for the 2025 Rugby Women's Africa Cup in Madagascar helped unlock hidden leadership potential. The Bulls Daisies lock will guide the SA team in the defence of their title at Stade Makis in Antananarivo that kicks off with Saturday's clash against Uganda (noon kickoff). Kenya and Madagascar are the other two teams taking part in the tournament. "I never thought that I have leadership skills in me until I got this opportunity to lead this brilliant pack," Qolo told Independent Media Sport exclusively this week. The number of experienced players included in the squad named on Friday will surely only help the new skipper find her feet. Qolo will captain a Springbok Women's side with a combined 174 caps in their opener against Uganda, with three uncapped players – Patience Mokone (wing), Faith Tshauke (No 8) and Anushka Groenewald (flanker) – included in the starting team for the Test at Stade Makis. A further five uncapped players have been named on the replacements' bench in props Anuchka Ekron and Sinothile Bhengu, lock Dineo Ndlhovu, flanker Nobuhle Mjwara and centre Leigh Fortuin. Fortuin and Mokone represented the Springbok Women's Sevens team earlier in the season, while all of the uncapped players, apart from Mjwara, also played for the Junior Springbok Women earlier in their careers. The Africa Cup squad of 28 trained under assistant coach Franzel September and Bafana Nhleko, while another group continued World Cup preparations under Springbok Women's performance coach Swys de Bruin and forwards coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt. "I'm happy with the preparations because the team has been progressing and focusing on the main job, which is to win Africa Cup," Qolo said. "Our set piece has been our main focus, together with our skillset. "Our biggest improvement has also been in the set piece because we've been focusing on that." Qolo is bracing for a fast and physical game, feeling it will take "effort, attitude and dedication" to retain their crown. "Heading to the World Cup it will mean a lot to me and my team as we're paving the way to a brighter future for South African rugby," she said. September agreed with his captain and said they are expecting a physical battle and some direct rugby. "What we saw in our analysis is that they are not scared to run with the ball, so there is an element of variety in their play, and they love doing quick taps from penalties,' he said. 'We prepared well and will be ready for everything they are going to throw at us.' The Springbok Women thrashed Uganda 63-3 in East London in September 2013 and 89-5 in Brakpan in August 2019. The Lady Cranes could be in for another torrid afternoon, with South Africa starting with five backs who represented the country at the previous Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in a sign of intent.
