Three Uncapped Players Selected for Springbok Women Against Uganda

Three uncapped players were named in the Springbok Women’s squad as they opted for a six-two bench strategy for their match against Uganda in the second round of the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup. The match was scheduled to take place on Wednesday at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi, Kenya. Shaunique Alexander and Zethu Gcaza were set to earn their maiden Test caps, while Abigail Smit was in line to make her international debut off the bench.

This brought the total of new caps to nine, with six players who previously debuted against Madagascar also included in this match. Seven players from the starting team in round one were retained, with team captain Anathi Qolo transitioning from lock to flanker, taking over from Sinelitha Noxeke. Additionally, Alexander joined the wing to replace Nomawethu Mabenge, marking her first senior appearance following her participation with the Junior Springbok Women three years prior.

Smit was slated to join a Bomb Squad bench consisting of six forwards expected to bring fresh energy throughout the match. The rest of the changes to the team were rotational, with Thamie Yeko receiving her first start at fullback, while Chuma Qawe came onto the bench. The two scrumhalves also swapped places, with Insaaf Levy starting, having made her debut as a substitute in the previous match, and Anacadia Minnaar serving as backup flyhalf due to the forward-heavy bench.

The front-row lineup alternated as well, introducing Yonela Ngxingolo, Roseline Botes, and Thandile Mazwi, while Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Anushka Groenewald, and Nombuyekezo Mdliki were included for impact off the bench.

Laurian Johannes-Haupt, assistant coach of the Springbok Women, stated that selecting the team was straightforward due to the potential shown by the debutants and the adaptability of those on the bench. "We were really pleased with the contributions from our debutants in the match against Madagascar and hope to see the same from these three," Johannes-Haupt remarked. "Shaunique is a dangerous runner with good speed and an awareness of the game, and we are all excited to see her go. Abigail and Zethu are still Under-20, so for them to be playing at this level speaks volumes about their potential and future prospects.

"The bench's versatility is beneficial for our six-two split and allows us to make easier calls when substitutions are needed. We obtained good impact from our bench in the previous game and expect the same in this match."

Johannes-Haupt cautioned not to underestimate Uganda, who lost 43-10 to Kenya in their opening match. "We analyzed Uganda, and it’s clear they have improved. They are well-coached and perform effectively at the breakdowns, which prevents opponents from gaining possession. They also handle their own ball well and are capable of executing effective kicks into open spaces to create opportunities."

The focus, she stated, remained on their own game plan. "That remains our priority for this match, and we aim to take another stride forward in our journey this year."

Springbok Women’s Squad to Face Uganda:
15 Thamie Yeko - 1 cap, 5 points
14 Alichia Arries - 3 caps, 5 points
13 Jakkie Cilliers - 22 caps, 124 points
12 Naima Hlatshwayo - 1 cap
11 Shaunique Alexander - uncapped
10 Mary Zulu - 16 caps, 45 points
9 Insaaf Levy - 1 cap
8 Logan Welman - 1 cap, 5 points
7 Anathi Qolo - 12 caps, 5 points
6 Ntsako Mbombi - 1 cap
5 Nomsa Mokwai - 14 caps
4 Zethu Gcaza - uncapped
3 Thandile Mazwi - 1 cap
2 Roseline Botes - 25 caps, 40 points
1 Yonela Ngxingolo - 40 caps, 20 points
Replacements:
16 Anushka Groenewald - 4 caps
17 Xoliswa Khuzwayo - 10 caps
18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki - 10 caps, 5 points
19 Abigail Smit - uncapped
20 Nobuhle Mjwara - 4 caps, 5 points
21 Faith Tshauke - 5 caps, 20 points
22 Anacadia Minnaar - 3 caps, 3 points
23 Chuma Qawe - 15 caps, 7 points
Match Information
Date: Wednesday, 26 May 2026
Venue: RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi
Kick-off: 13h00 (SA time)
Referee: Julie Randriarimanana
Broadcast: Rugby Africa Facebook and RugbyPass TV