Springbok Women team, fixtures as WXV Global Series challenge looms

South Africa and Wales are set for a historic women’s rugby clash tomorrow (18 September).

The Springbok Women are in Cardiff preparing for their first WXV Global Series game on Friday.

On Wednesday, the team’s co-coaches named the team set for the gruelling encounter in Wales.

South Africa’s WXV Global Series schedule

18 September: vs Wales at Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff (20:15)

26 September: vs Italy at Stadio Omero Tognon, Fontanafredda (14:30)

4 October: vs Spain at Estadio Olimpico de la Cartuja, Seville (12:00)

24 October: vs Ireland at the Athlone Stadium, Cape Town (15:00)

31 October: vs Ireland at the Athlone Stadium, Cape Town (15:00)

Details are correct according to the South Africa Rugby website.

Co-coaches aim for experience and stability

Franzel September and Laurian Johannes-Haupt made some changes to the team that was defeated by the Black Ferns on 5 September.

Logan Welman (8) will start in the loose trio, with Aseza Hele switching to the bench.

The co-coaches named Felicia Jacobs (9) and Maria Tshiremba (14) in the starting XV after missing out against New Zealand.

Maceala Samboya (13), who was a substitute two weekends ago, will partner Aphiwe Ngwevu (12) in the centre positions.

September has framed the selection as a mix of experienced veterans and upcoming stars.

“We are well underway towards the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup, not only in our planning, but also in giving players experience at the highest level, something that this WXV Global Series will provide.”

Springbok Women team looking forward to challenge

Before the Black Ferns defeat, South Africa played a two-match series against the USA, losing one and winning one.

However, the team were also unbeaten in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, defeating Madagascar, Uganda, and Kenya.

Johannes-Haupt believes the Global Series will be the ultimate test.

“We wanted to be part of the WXV Global Series for a reason, and the main one was the opportunity to play the best teams in the world. That opportunity starts on Friday. It will be tough. Wales is also a forward-dominated team, like us, so it will be an interesting match-up,” she said, as quoted by South Africa Rugby.

The full Springbok Women XV is as follows:

Forwards: Sanelisiwe Charlie, Lindelwa Gwala, Babalwa Latsha (captain), Vainah Ubisi, Danelle Lochner, Sizophila Solontsi, Catha Jacobs, Logan Welman.

Backs: Felicia Jacobs, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Ayanda Malinga, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Maceala Samboya, Maria Tshiremba, Byrhandre Dolf.

Replacements: Micke Gunter, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Nomsa Mokwai, Aseza Hele, Sinelitha Noxeke, Jakkie Cilliers, Patience Mokone.

WILL THE SPRINGBOK WOMEN BEAT WALES IN THEIR GLOBAL SERIES OPENER?