Latsha to lead Bok Women against Les Bleus

Babalwa Latsha will captain the Springbok Women for the first time at a Women’s Rugby World Cup, while fly-half Mary Zulu is set to make her tournament debut when South Africa take on France at Franklin’s Gardens on Sunday.

With the Boks already assured of a quarter-final spot after victories against Brazil and Italy, and sitting top of the pool ahead of Les Bleues, head coach Swys de Bruin has decided to make changes to his side.

Latsha is one of only two forwards  retained from last weekend’s historic win against Italy in York last weekend, along with Aseza Hele, who once again wears the No.8 jersey.

Bok Women coach, Swys de Bruin, said the changes were made with the knockout stages in mind.

“That was ideal for us, as we can now make sure that all 32 players in the camp will get game time ahead of the quarter-finals, where we would love to select from 32 players eager and fit to play. We were guided by our medical team about the workload of certain players and that played a role as well,” he said.

Springbok Women team to play France:

15 Byrhandré Dolf
14 Jakkie Cilliers
13 Eloise Webb
12 Chumisa Qawe
11 Maceala Samboya
10 Mary Zulu
9 Nadine Roos
8 Aseza Hele
7 Catha Jacobs
6 Lerato Makua
5 Anathi Qolo
4 Vainah Ubisi
3 Babalwa Latsha (captain)
2 Micke Gunter
1 Yonela Ngxingolo

Replacements:

16 Luchell Hanekom
17 Xoliswa Khuzwayo
18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki
19 Nomsa Mokwai
20 Faith Tshauke
21 Sinazo Mcatshulwa
22 Tayla Kinsey
23 Aphiwe Ngwevu

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari