Babalwa Latsha will face a mammoth task on Sunday when she leads the Springbok Women into their Pool D decider against France at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton, marking her first captaincy at Rugby World Cup level.
The experienced prop, who holds the record as the most capped forward in Springbok Women history with 38 Test appearances, will guide a significantly rotated squad that includes several players making their World Cup debuts in the crucial clash.
Mary Zulu will start at flyhalf and Anathi Qolo at lock as both players earn their first World Cup starting berths, while six others are set to make their tournament debuts from the bench – including hooker Luchell Hanekom, prop Xoliswa Khuzwayo, lock Nomsa Mokwai and loose forward Faith Tshauke.
Head coach Swys de Bruin made wholesale changes to the side that defeated Italy in York last weekend, with only fullback Chumisa Qawe retaining the same jersey number from the previous match.
The bold team selection comes after the Springboks secured their quarter-final qualification, allowing De Bruin to implement his pre-tournament strategy of giving all 32 squad members meaningful game time.
“We decided before the tournament even started that in an ideal world, by the end of the pool stage, all 32 players would have played a part in the match day squads,” De Bruin explained. “That worked out well for us.”
The coach revealed that medical considerations also influenced selections, with several key players including captain Nolusindiso Booi, lock Danelle Lochner, and hooker Lindelwa Gwala among those rested for the encounter.
Despite the rotations, De Bruin is confident his team can maintain their strong tournament form against a formidable French side known for their attacking flair and international experience.
“They are so experienced playing at this level and have fantastic flair and attacking ability,” he said of France. “That said, we did pick up potential areas where we can put them under pressure, with our scrums at the forefront of that plan.”
The match will also see veteran scrumhalf Tayla Kinsey add a third Rugby World Cup appearance to her resume when she comes off the bench, earning her 41st Test cap against a French team she has faced four times previously.
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De Bruin praised the squad’s collective approach, highlighting how non-selected players have prepared the match-day squad by studying and emulating French tactics in training.
“These players really work for each other and that makes the job a lot easier for everyone,” he noted.
With quarter-final spots secured, Sunday’s clash represents more than just a pool decider – it’s an opportunity for the Springbok Women to test their depth against world-class opposition while building momentum for the knockout stages.
The match kicks off what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to Pool D action, with both teams looking to carry winning form into the business end of the tournament.
Springbok Women team to face France:
Starting XV: Byrhandré Dolf; Jakkie Cilliers, Eloise Webb, Chumisa Qawe, Maceala Samboya; Mary Zulu, Nadine Roos; Aseza Hele, Catha Jacobs, Lerato Makua, Anathi Qolo, Vainah Ubisi, Babalwa Latsha (captain), Micke Gunter, Yonela Ngxingolo.
Replacements: Luchell Hanekom, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Nomsa Mokwai, Faith Tshauke, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Tayla Kinsey, Aphiwe Ngwevu.
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