Brazil tour great development opportunity for SA Women ‘A’

The South African Women’s ‘A’-side that will face Brazil in the first two matches in Sao Paulo on Monday may lack experience, but according to Mary Zulu, they are ready to embrace the experience at Estádio Nicolau Alayon on Monday night (Tuesday 1am SA time).

Flyhalf Zulu – who will captain a side containing eight players who are 20 and two 19-year-olds – and Luchell Hanekom (hooker) were members of South Africa’s Women’s Rugby World Cup squad last year.

Amongst the backs, Zulu, Shaunique Alexander and Insaaf Levy have played for the Springbok Women, while the tight five all have Test experience as well. The SA ‘A’ captain said they came to play and learn but also showcase why they have been selected.

“We want to show that we are part of the future of the Springbok Women set-up and for that, we need to deliver results and show why we were selected in the first place,” said Zulu.

“The coaches made us aware of the calibre of the opponents and we have taken that to heart. We will be ready to make sure we bring our best effort.”

Zulu said they will make mistakes in the match but that will be part of the journey: “We are going out to showcase our talents but we realise that many will experience an intensity in play they have not experienced before. That is okay, the coaches have prepared us well and we cannot wait to get going.”

The team left South Africa on Thursday and Zulu said they adapted well.

“It was a long trip and there is a time difference factor but we did our recovery and the training session went well, so we will be ready come Monday evening.”

SA Women’s ‘A’ starting XV: 15 Hayley Hardneck, 14 Thobile Msizazwe, 13 Shaunique Alexander, 12 Lilitha Vakalisa, 11 Litalethu Nombakuse; 10 Mary Zulu (capt), 9 Insaaf Levy; 8 Emihle Mayitshe, 7 Avela Gwala, 6 Yonelisa Plaatjies; 5 Abigail Smit, 4 Zethu Gcaza; 3 Sinothile Bhengu, 2 Luchell Hanekom, 1 Anuschka Ekron. Replacements: 16 Karabo Lebotsa, 17 Iviwe Jonas, 18 Anothando Khatshwa, 19 Kaylee Daniels, 20 Courtney Hickson, 21 Carmelita Malone, 22 Isabella Nel, 23 Anitha Fazi.

Brazil Yarras v South Africa Women ‘A’ - Monday/Tuesday @ Estádio Nicolau Alayon, Sao Paulo (8pm local time, 1am SAST)

Livestream: www.youtube.com/@UOLEsporte