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Re-jigged Springbok Women 'so into this game'
By
Matt Merritt
Springbok Women head coach Stanley Raubenheimer has decided to shake up his team for their game against England. The South Africans sit bottom of their group but are not mathematically out of the race, though they face a stiff test in the 28-game unbeaten Red Roses.
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Six changes have been made from their team against Fiji last weekend and it would have been seven were it not for a late withdrawal from Simamkele Namba that has seen former Exeter Chiefs centre Zintle Mpupha drawing back into the starting fifteen. She’ll start alongside Chumisa Qawe who may find herself in the record books should her twin sister Chuma, who will wear the 23 shirt, join her on the field as they would be the first pair of twins to represent South Africa at a World Cup.
The Qawe twins will be making their World Cup debuts, as will front row substitutes Micke Gunter, Yonela Ngxingolo and Azisa Mkiva, as well as lock Nompumelelo Mathe and scrum half Rumandi Potgieter.
It doesn’t get any bigger than this! #WomenBoks team named to face England on Sunday – more here: https://t.co/py3Sv6FxBB ??#TogetherMovingForward #RWC2021 pic.twitter.com/Uw1bOY334M
— SA Women's Rugby (@WomenBoks) October 20, 2022
Speaking ahead of the game, captain Nolusindiso Booi highlighted the importance of giving new players their shot. “It’s a very exciting squad because they include young players that haven’t played so far, and we can see their energy during the sessions this week,”
“They are extremely excited and knowing that they are playing in the Rugby World Cup, it is something so big and I know we’re going to challenge England.” The lock added. “Our players are so into this game, and we’re excited and happy at the same time knowing that being there on the field and giving everything that we have can bring us rewards. “
Booi has faith in her squad but doesn’t underplay the mountain they will have to climb if they want to end the Roses run. “If we want to spring the surprise of the tournament, we need to execute well when we have the ball. We have done that in stages so far in the tournament, but we need to put it all together on Sunday.”
“Whatever happens, we must leave the field knowing we left nothing out there. That is what I have asked the players and I believe they will respond,”
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