True test of character and a peek into future for Springbok Women

A lot has been said and written about a certain loose forward who will run onto the hallowed turf of Ellis Park on Saturday afternoon, and the impact the player will have on the Test match about to start.

A lot of anticipation awaits and come 1.30pm on Saturday, Logan Welman hopes to introduce herself to the wider rugby public when the Springbok Women take on the USA Eagles in an historic first Test between the two teams played in South Africa.

The match between the 10th-ranked South Africans and the eighth-ranked Americans promises to not only give some perspective on the Springbok Women’s growth on the international women’s rugby stage over the last 18 months but it will also provide a look into the future, where players such as the 20-year-old Welman will showcase the next generation of Bok Women.

The Cape Town-born and raised No 8 has big shoes to fill as she takes over from the injured and well-established Aseza Hele but fear for failure is not part of Welman’s rugby make up.

“I’ve been playing rugby since 2011, I started when I was only six,” said Welman.

“I played with the boys for quite a few years when I was younger. I’ve been playing rugby for 15 years and I love the game and the physicality. I feel powerful when I play and I use every training and game to show how strong I am.

“My mom told me to believe in myself and to back myself. My grandfather, who is a very wise man, told me that if he can be strong and push through, then so can I. I carry their words with me and use it to stay motivated, even when it’s difficult.”

Welman made her Test debut in the recent Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Kenya, where she scored a try in all three matches and she arrived back in the country with her reputation intact.

She feels it will stay that way in playing for the Springbok Women: “I honestly can’t say that I feel the pressure, I believe in my team, the system, and in myself. I know that we are capable of.”

On the other side of the scale (and field), Eagles flanker Kate Zackary will run out for her 50th appearance in a USA jersey, while the team will also be commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, on Saturday, the 4th of July.

“We are playing against a very experienced team but we also showed what we are capable of. This is the big stage for me but I am ready and cannot wait,” said Welman.

Head-to-Head: Springbok Women v USA Eagles Women

16/8/2009: Ontario, 0-39

9/8/2011: Ontario, 26-23

13/8/2011: Ontario, 9-29

30/7/2013: Colorado, 22-35

10/8/2013: Colorado, 5-61

30/3/2024: London, 17-38

Springbok Women starting XV: 15 Byrhandré Dolf, 14 Jakkie Cilliers, 13 Ayanda Malinga, 12 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 11 Alichia Arries; 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Unam Tose; 8 Logan Welman, 7 Catha Jacobs, 6 Sizophila Solontsi; 5 Danelle Lochner, 4 Vainah Ubisi; 3 Babalwa Latsha (capt), 2 Micke Gunter, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie. Replacements: 16 Anushka Groenewald, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Thandile Mazwi, 19 Anathi Qolo, 20 Sinelitha Noxeke, 21 Faith Tshauke, 22 Felicia Jacobs, 23 Eloise Webb.

South Africa v USA @ 10bet Ellis Park, Johannesburg (1.30pm)

Referee: Zoe Naude

Assistant Referees: Giana Viljoen, Angie Bezuidenhout

Television Match Official: Quinton Immelman

Split Screen/FPRO: Christie du Preez