South Africa have reached the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history. After a 57-10 defeat to France in their final group match, the team is planning to make 10 changes to the starting XV.
Captain Nolusindiso Booi is expected to return to the field against New Zealand. In the pack, prop Sanelisiwe Charlie, hooker Lindelwa Gwala, lock Danelle Lochne, and flanker Sizophila Solontsi have all been recalled. In the backs, fly-half Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Ayanda Malinga, and Zintle Mpupha will also start.
If South Africa manage to win Saturday’s clash, they will secure a place in the semi-finals. However, it will be a tough challenge, as New Zealand have won the last two World Cups.
The expected line-ups are as follows:
New Zealand: Holmes; Sorensen-McGee, Waaka, Setefano, Woodman-Wickliffe; Demant (capt.), Joseph; Ponsonby, Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Roos, Bremner, Mikaele-Tu’u, Miller, Olsen-Baker.
Replacements: Lolohea, Tangen-Wainohu, Henwood, Bayfield, Tukuafu (capt.), Hohaia, Du Plessis, Leti-I’iga.
South Africa: Dolf; Samboya, Mpupha, Ngwevu, Malinga; Van Rensburg, Roos; Charlie, Gwala, Latsha, Booi (capt.), Lochner, Solontsi, Mcatshulwa, Hele.
Replacements: Hanekom, Ngxingolo, Mdliki, Ubisi, Qolo, Makua, Jacobs, Webb.