Raubenheimer names experienced Bok women’s team for World Cup opener

The Springbok women’s team to play France in their opening Pool C match of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand on Saturday has a familiar and experienced look to it, with only prop Sanelisiwe Charlie not a regular starter in the 2022 season.

Coach Stanley Raubenheimer named both his Rugby World Cup veterans, captain Nolusindiso Booi and Zenay Jordaan, in the squad, with Booi leading the team out at Eden Park in Auckland.

Jordaan is named on the bench and will equal the Springbok women’s record of 34 Test caps held by Zandile Nojoko when she gets a run on Saturday.

Raubenheimer also named Tayla Kinsey at halfback and prop Asithandile Ntoyanto on the bench, meaning that all four players with previous Rugby World Cup experience will be involved in the opening match of the global showpiece.

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Charlie will make a first start since August 2021, when she debuted against Kenya in Stellenbosch, but the powerful EP Queens loosehead prop was part of the match day squads in Wales in 2021 as well as the Japan and Spain series this year.

Eloise Webb is the only player selected that saw no action in the four Tests against Japan and Spain as she was out injured. She will play off the bench against France.

Raubenheimer said he has the utmost confidence in his charges.

“I had a pretty good idea of what my starting team was going to look like for a while now, and I told the players before we departed South Africa what everyone’s role will be in this match,” said Raubenheimer.

“It is pleasing to know that the planning was spot on in terms of the preparation of this squad and I have to give credit to my medical and management staff for making sure we could select the team best suited to take on France.”

Raubenheimer said the form of the players showed their growth during the last six months: “We went to play France last year to experience the intensity they play with first hand, and it was an important first step in getting us ready for this match.

“We are now ready to deliver a result that will make the group, but also the country proud. They are one of tournament favourites’ and rightly so, but that is not an issue for us. We have a plan; we have the players. The trick is now to make sure both work in harmony.”

The Springbok women’s team to face France in Auckland:

Nadine Roos, Nomawethu Mabenge, Zintle Mpupha, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Simamkele Namba, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Tayla Kinsey, Aseza Hele, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Sizophila Solontsi, Rights Mkhari, Nolusindiso Booi (capt), Babalwa Latsha, Lindelwa Gwala, Sanelisiwe Charlie. Bench: Roseline Botes, Asithandile Ntoyanto, Monica Mazibukwana, Catha Jacobs, Lusanda Dumke, Unam Tose, Zenay Jordaan, Eloise Webb