Booi returns to lead Bok Women against Black Ferns

Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin named Nolusindiso Booi at lock for Saturday's historic Women’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against New Zealand in Exeter, where South Africa will take on the Black Ferns with a bench consisting of seven forwards and one back.

The inclusion of Booi, the regular captain, is one of 10 changes to the starting team that lined up against France last Sunday.

Booi, Lindelwa Gwala (hooker), Danelle Lochner (lock), Sizophila Solontsi (flanker), Libbie Janse van Rensburg (flyhalf), Zintle Mpupha (centre) and Ayanda Malinga (wing) were all rested against France, and were last in action against Italy two weekends ago.

In all, 13 members of the starting line-up and six replacements were involved in the York victory over Italy, that secured the Bok Women a first RWC quarterfinal spot.

De Bruin opted to name seven forwards on the bench, with Eloise Webb the only backline cover for the biggest match yet in Springbok Women history.

Locks Vainah Ubisi and Anathi Qolo have both been included on the bench, along with loose forwards Catha Jacobs and Lerato Makua, all of whom started against France last Sunday. The front row of Yonela Nxgingola, Luchell Hanekom and Nombuyekezo Mdliki round off the bomb squad.

“We decided on the 7-1 split because of the profile of our team,” said De Bruin.

“We are a team that like to dominate upfront and playing two fresh packs – in each half – against the Black Ferns is a tactical decision. We rested all those players against France to be ready for this test and now it is time for them to take on New Zealand with fresh legs and eager minds.

“You must realise, our squad was not used to this intensity and quality of opposition for a long time, so we had to plan their workload properly. I am happy to say it worked out exactly as planned and we are ready to go.”

The Bok Women coach said they are aware of the threats from New Zealand: “They have won the World Cup six times already; we did not even enter the qualification play-offs in 2017 and lost all our matches in 2022, that is how far behind we are against them.

“Their players’ passing ability and accuracy are amazing, and one can see they have played this game from a young age.

“That is not the case with us, but that said, we have improved so much, and few teams will beat our heart and guts.”

De Bruin had a simple message for his team: “Leave nothing on the field. We will carry you off if you are too tired to walk at the end of it. This is the biggest game of your life, go out and enjoy it.”

Springbok Women team to face New Zealand in Exeter:

15 Byrhandré Dolf – 25 caps, 62 points (7 tries, 12 conversions, 1 penalty goal)

14 Maceala Samboya – 6 caps, 20 points (4 tries)

13 Zintle Mpupha – 28 caps, 106 points (20 tries, 3 conversions)

12 Aphiwe Ngwevu – 30 caps, 65 points (13 tries)

11 Ayanda Malinga – 15 caps, 80 points (16 tries)

10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg – 29 caps, 219 points (14 tries, 55 conversions, 12 penalty goals, 1 drop goal)

9 Nadine Roos – 21 caps, 50 points (8 tries, 5 conversions)

8 Aseza Hele – 30 caps, 85 points (17 tries)

7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa – 41 caps, 60 points (12 tries)

6 Sizophila Solontsi – 30 caps, 50 points (10 tries)

5 Danelle Lochner – 21 caps, 10 points (2 tries)

4 Nolusindiso Booi (captain) – 54 caps, 5 points (1 try)

3 Babalwa Latsha (vice-captain) – 39 caps, 30 points (6 tries)

2 Lindelwa Gwala – 37 caps, 75 points (15 tries)

1 Sanelisiwe Charlie – 28 caps, 10 points (2 tries)

Replacements:

16 Luchell Hanekom – 10 caps, 0 points

17 Yonela Ngxingolo – 38 caps, 15 points (3 tries)

18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki – 8 caps, 0 points

19 Vainah Ubisi – 21 caps, 15 points (3 tries)

20 Anathi Qolo – 10 caps, 5 points (1 try)

21 Lerato Makua – 18 caps, 20 points (4 tries)

22 Catha Jacobs – 25 caps, 5 points (1 try)

23 Eloise Webb – 19 caps, 30 points (6 tries)