Springbok Women locked and loaded for Canada

Springbok Women captain Nolusindiso Booi said her team will enter Loftus Versfeld with excitement and determination when they face Canada at 1.30pm on Saturday, in the first Test between the two countries on South African soil.

The referee is Clara Munarini from Italy, who will take charge of Canada for the first time in a Test when they take on South Africa, a side she has refereed on six previous occasions in total. The Springbok Women's two Test victories both came on home soil, against Spain and Samoa. She will be assisted by Precious Pazani (Zimbabwe) and Zoe Naude (South Africa)

The visitors are ranked No 2 in the world and the hosts 12th, something Booi said will make them even more determined to deliver a good performance, their first at home in 2025.

Canada cannot improve their rating with victory over South Africa in the first of their two-Test series as a result of the 21.73 points difference between the teams before home weighting is factored in.

However, defeat will see Canada surrender second place to New Zealand for the first time since the end of September 2024.

A draw will be enough to lift South Africa above Japan and into 11th place, matching their previous high which they last occupied in April.

The Springbok Women must win by more than 15 points to gain an additional place and replace Wales in the top 10.

“We certainly are well aware of how good Canada have been playing in recent months, in fact, over the last couple of years,” said Booi on Friday.

“They are skilful and a hard team to stop once they get into their stride. So, we know it is going to be a tough challenge but we want nothing else than that.

“We are getting battle ready for the Rugby World Cup, which is 49 days away, and playing Canada is the right thing at this moment, as they will test us like we have not been tested in a long time.

“We have been working really hard, with many camps and the tour to Europe a couple of months back, so we come well prepared into this match. We have our own plans and I believe our strengths will help us in the challenge to beat Canada.

“The fact that we are also playing at home for the first time this year and will share the field with the Springboks as well, is another boost.”

Booi, already the most capped women’s player in the history of Springbok rugby, will also captain the side for the 22nd time, moving past Mandisa Williams, who captained South Africa in 21 Tests between 2009 and 2014.

“We have to honour those who came before us and laid the pathway for us to where we are today and we are mindful that we are now also laying a foundation for the next generation, so it is very important to showcase our talent and play to the best of our ability,” Booi said.

Springbok Women assistant coach Franzel September said they are ready for whatever Canada will throw at them.

“We are well prepared and we have clear objectives for this match,” he said.

“Canada is very skilful and can keep the ball for many phases but our focus will be to implement the things we are working on. Our pack is powerful and we would like to think we can deliver a physical challenge to them.”

September said the match forms part of their Rugby World Cup planning and as such, he will be hoping for positive outcomes in specific areas: “As a forwards coach, you know that the foundation must be laid upfront, so that is something I would like to see happening in this match, with us standing our ground in the set piece and create opportunities for the backline.”

September said the occasion demands a solid performance: “We do not often have the opportunity to play in a stadium like this and share a field with the Springboks, so we need to embrace that opportunity.

“We hope the crowds will come early and watch us play as well, as we will be proudly representing them and of course the Springbok jersey.”

Springbok Women starting XV: 15 Nadine Roos, 14 Jakkie Cilliers, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Ayanda Malinga; 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Tayla Kinsey; 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 6 Sizophila Solontsi; 5 Danelle Lochner, 4 Nolusindiso Booi (capt); 3 Babalwa Latsha, 2 Micke Gunter, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie. Replacements: 16 Luchell Hanekom, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Nomsa Mokwai, 20 Lerato Makua, 21 Catha Jacobs, 22 Byrhandré Dolf, 23 Eloise Webb.