Three new faces will earn their first caps for the Springbok Women when they face Uganda in the second round of the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi on Wednesday.
Shaunique Alexander and Zethu Gcaza have been named in the starting XV, whilst Abigail Smit is set to make her international debut from the bench in what will be South Africa’s second match of the tournament.
The trio complete the new cap tally for the nine uncapped players who travelled from South Africa a week ago, with all six players who made their debuts against Madagascar included in the match-day squad once again.
Alexander comes into the side on the wing in place of Nomawethu Mabenge for her first senior appearance in the green and gold, having represented the Junior Springbok Women three years ago at Under-20 level.
Team captain Anathi Qolo, who earned 12 caps, moves from lock to flanker for this encounter, where she replaces Sinelitha Noxeke. Seven players who started in round one have been retained in the starting team.
The coaching staff have opted for a six-two forward-dominated bench, with Smit part of what has been dubbed the Bomb Squad providing fresh legs during the match.
Other changes are rotational. At fullback, Thamie Yeko will earn a first start with Chuma Qawe coming off the bench, whilst the two scrumhalves also swap jerseys. Insaaf Levy will start after making her debut as a replacement last week, with Anacadia Minnaar doubling up as back-up flyhalf due to the six forwards selected.
The front rows will also alternate, with Yonela Ngxingolo, Roseline Botes and Thandile Mazwi earning starts, whilst Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Anushka Groenewald and Nombuyekezo Mdliki provide impact.
Springbok Women assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt said the team selection was made easy because of the potential of the debutants and the versatility of those on the bench.
“We were really pleased with the contributions from our debutants in the match against Madagascar and hope to see the same from these three,” said Johannes-Haupt.
“Shaunique is a dangerous runner with good speed and an awareness of the game, so we are all excited to see her go.
“Abigail and Zethu are still Under-20, so for them to be playing at this level tells you a lot about their potential and where they can go. We are excited to see what they can bring to our system, and their selection is also a complement to our pathway structures.”
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Johannes-Haupt expects the bench to deliver the needed momentum when called upon.
“The nice thing in our team is the versatility of our forwards, which allows us the six-two split. Some of them can play in the backs when needed and that makes that call much easier. We had good impact from our bench in the previous game and expect the same tomorrow,” she said.
The assistant coach insisted they will not underestimate their opponents, who were beaten 43-10 by Kenya in their opening match on Saturday.
“We had a good look at Uganda, and it is clear they are not the Uganda of old. They are well coached and sharpened up their breakdown very well, not allowing their opponents to get in there.
“They are looking after their own ball well on attack, and they do not mind kicking into open spaces to make their opponents turn around. For us, our own game plan remains the most important goal for this match, and we want to take another step forward in our journey for this year.”
South Africa have won all three previous encounters against Uganda, including a 62-7 victory in Antananarivo earlier this year.
Springbok Women squad:
Starting XV:
- Yonela Ngxingolo (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 40 caps, 20 points (4 tries)
- Roseline Botes (DHL Western Province) – 25 caps, 40 points (8 tries)
- Thandile Mazwi (DHL Western Province) – 1 cap, 0 points
- Zethu Gcaza (Border Ladies) – uncapped
- Nomsa Mokwai (DHL Western Province) – 14 caps, 0 points
- Ntsako Mbombi (Golden Lions Women) – 1 cap, 0 points
- Anathi Qolo (captain, Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 12 caps, 5 points (1 try)
- Logan Welman (DHL Western Province) – 1 cap, 5 points (1 try)
- Insaaf Levy (DHL Western Province) – 1 cap, 0 points
- Mary Zulu (Sharks Women) – 16 caps, 45 points (1 try, 20 conversions)
- Shaunique Alexander (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – uncapped
- Naima Hlatshwayo (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 1 cap, 0 points
- Jakkie Cilliers (vice-captain, Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 22 caps, 124 points (10 tries, 30 conversions, 4 penalty goals)
- Alichia Arries (DHL Western Province) – 3 caps, 5 points (1 try)
- Thamie Yeko (EP Queens) – 1 cap, 5 points (1 try)
Replacements:
16. Anushka Groenewald (DHL Western Province) – 4 caps, 0 points
17. Xoliswa Khuzwayo (Golden Lions Women) – 10 caps, 0 points
18. Nombuyekezo Mdliki (Border Ladies) – 10 caps, 5 points (1 try)
19. Abigail Smit (DHL Western Province) – uncapped
20. Nobuhle Mjwara (Sharks Women) – 4 caps, 5 points (1 try)
21. Faith Tshauke (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 5 caps, 20 points (4 tries)
22. Anacadia Minnaar (EP Queens) – 3 caps, 3 points (1 penalty goal)
23. Chuma Qawe (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 15 caps, 7 points (1 try, 1 conversion)
Previous encounters Springbok Women vs Uganda:
7 September 2013: Won 63-3, East London
9 August 2019: Won 89-5, Brakpan
7 June 2025: Won 62-7, Antananarivo
Match details
Rugby Africa Women’s Cup (Round 2)
Date: Wednesday, 26 May
Venue: RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi, Kenya
Kick-off: 13:00 (SA time)
Referee: Julie Randriarimanana (Madagascar)
Broadcast: Rugby Africa Facebook and RugbyPass TV
