Massive Attack as Boks Prepare for European Test Match Tour

Springbok Women’s coach Stanley Raubenheimer assembled a squad featuring 11 international players in Stellenbosch as the team kick off their preparations on Sunday for their first round of Test matches since the 2014 Women’s Rugby Cup.

Included in the 32-member squad are four players from the 2014 showpiece, Nolusindiso Booi, Tayla Kinsey, Fundiswa Plaatjie and Thantaswa Macingwana, while seven capped Springbok Women’s Sevens players, Kirsten Conrad, Nosiphiso Goda, Babalwa Latsha, Zintle Mpupha, Zinhle Ndawonde, Snenhlanhla Shozi and Eloise Webb, were also included.

The squad – which will be reduced to 28 players before their departure to Europe on 30 October – will face the UK Armed Forces in London on Friday, 2 November, Wales at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday, 10 November, Spain in Villajoyosa on Saturday, 17 November, and Italy in Prato on Sunday, 25 November.

“The most important aspects from the outset would be to develop a good rapport with the players, and to work on the basics on the training field,” – Springbok Women’s coach Stanley Raubenheimer

Several players who were members of the SA Select Women’s squad that faced the British Army and the England Academy team on a three-match tour to the UK in October last year were also included.

Raubenheimer said the focus in the first few days of the camp would be to get the squad to gel on and off the field and to put the necessary structures in place.

“We only have a few days to prepare for the tour, so it is important that we are able to implement the basic aspects of the game very well by the time we play our first game.

“Fortunately we will face the British Armed Forces first, which will be a good start to the tour as it will allow us to build some momentum before the first Test.”

Raubenheimer added: “This tour will serve as a good yardstick to measure where we are after a few seasons out of the international arena, so while although it is a big occasion for the squad, it is important that the players enjoy their rugby as well.”

Tour Fixtures:
Friday, 2 November: UK Armed Forces vs SA (London) 
Saturday, 10 November: Wales vs SA (Cardiff Arms Park)
Saturday, 17 November: Spain vs SA (Villajoyosa)
Sunday, 25 November: Italy vs SA (Prato)

Springbok Women’s squad (In alphabetical order):

1. Nolusindiso Booi (lock), Western Province
2. Kirsten Conrad (flyhalf), Western Province
3. Karthy Dludla (lock), KZN
4. Lusanda Dumke (flanker), Border
5. Annique Geswind (hooker), Western Province
6. Nosiphiwo Goda (winger), Border
7. Lindelwa Gwala (hooker), KZN
8. Aseza Hele (flanker), Eastern Province
9. Alana-Lee Horne (utility back), Western Province
10. Felicia Jacobs (scrumhalf), Western Province
11. Charmaine Kayser (No 8), Western Province
12. Tayla Kinsey (scrumhalf), KZN
13. Babalwa Latsha (prop), Western Province
14. Thantaswa Macingwana (hooker), Blue Bulls
15. Kamohele Makoele (flanker), Free State
16. Ayanda Malinga (winger), Pumas
17. Nthabiseng Marutla (lock), Blue Bulls
18. Vuyolwethu Maqholo (utility back), Western Province
19. Sinazo Mcatshulwa (flanker), Western Province
20. Pennbry McNamara (hooker), Golden Lions
21. Katlego Moremi (prop), Blue Bulls
22. Zintle Mpupha (flyhalf), SA Rugby
23. Lihle Mzimkulu (flanker), Western Province
24. Zinhle Ndawonde (centre), KZN
25. Demi Nel (centre), Western Province
26. Aphiwe Ngwevu (centre), Border
27. Yonela Ngxingolo (prop), Border
28. Siyanda Pikoli (lock), Eastern Province
29. Fundiswa Plaatjie (scrumhalf), Border
30. Snenhlanhla Shozi (fullback), Border
31. Bernice Strydom (lock), Free State
32. Eloise Webb (fullback), Border

Photo 1 caption: A Women Boks Twitter photo post featuring the top end of a great skill set assembled by Springbok women coach Stanley Raubenheimer to prepare for his team’s first round of test matches since the 2014 Womens’ World Cup. Photo: @WomenBoks