Bulls Daisies begin threepeat charge in Gqeberha

The 2023 and 2024 SA Rugby Women’s Premier Division champions, the Bulls Daisies travel to the Eastern Cape to begin their 2025 campaign against the EP Queens. The Daisies and the Queens meet at the Wolfson Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday; with kick-off set for 1pm.

Hayden Groepes (head coach) and Lusanda Dumke (captain) lead a spirited Daisies side that is determined to do well during a year where good performances contribute to South Africa’s bigger picture with the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Spring.

The Centane-born skipper says the energy and motivation amongst the team is higher than ever before.

“We are so excited to get going and begin a new campaign, especially because this is such an important year for Women’s Rugby with the World Cup. We are all becoming adaptable players because the season has changed and so our year becomes longer which is exciting, we get to test our athletic ability and depth.

“Everything starts behind the scenes, the amount of work we have all put in during the holidays, when we got back into the camp, everyone has been energetic and hungry for more success. That is always good to see because it means we all want the positive results as bad as we did when we started.”

Dumke added: “The Emerging Daisies have become an important part of what we do. Their level of commitment and improvement in skills has been so important for us, especially last season when the team had International calls, they are a vital part of this team and the depth they give us, puts us at a good advantage.”

Dumke will turn up at her usual loose forward role alongside Ntsako Tshauke and the bulldozing Sizophila Solontsi, who slots in at No 8. Ahead is a lock combination featuring Ziyanda Ngohlekana and Springbok Anathi Qolo. In front will be Sanelisiwe Charlie, Micke Gunter and Yonela Ngxingolo.

At the back, scrumhalf Unam Tose and flyhalf Byrhandre Dolf link up at halfback. The Springbok utility back, Dolf, makes a shift from her usual run at fullback to flyhalf which sees Zintle Nonkasana at the back with new recruit Shaunique Alexander starting at left wing and 2024 Players Player of the Year, Patience Mokone at right wing. The tried and tested pairing of Chumisa Qhawe and Jakkie Cilliers combine once more at inside and outside centre, respectively.

Groepes has opted for a five-three split impact squad that features both experience and explosive energy in Karabo Lebotsa, Doreen Mkhabela, Rachelle du Plessis, Busisiwe Crafford, Sophy Mashapa, Camelitha Baloyi, Zintle Mpupha and Ayanda Malinga.

Bulls Daisies starting XV: 15 Zintle Nonkasana, 14 Patience Mokone, 13 Jakkie Cilliers, 12 Chumisa Qhawe, 11 Shaunique Alexander; 10 Byrhandre Dolf, 9 Unam Tose; 8 Sizophila Solontsi, 7 Ntsako Tshauke, 6 Lusanda Dumke (capt); 5 Anathi Qolo, 4 Ziyanda Ngohlekana; 3 Yonela Ngxingolo, 2 Micke Gunter, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie. Replacements: 16 Karabo Lebotsa, 17 Doreen Mkhabela, 18 Rachelle du Plessis, 19 Busisiwe Crafford, 20 Sophy Mashapa, 21 Camelitha Baloyi, 22 Zintle Mpupha, 23 Ayanda Malinga.

• Pictures courtesy © BBCo