The most experienced Springbok Women’s player on their European tour, Zenay Jordaan, will start at flyhalf against Wales on Saturday in the only change to starting lineup named by coach Stanley Raubenheimer.
Jordaan was not considered for the opening tour match against France in Vannes this past Saturday, due to a stomach bug, but she has recovered and will wear the No 10 jersey at Arms Park in Cardiff in her 29th Test appearance.
Jordaan’s selection has Libbie Janse van Rensburg moving to the bench, where Raubenheimer made several personnel changes.
With Janse van Rensburg on the bench, Jakkie Cilliers drops out of the match-day squad, while debutants Lerato Makua and Simamkele Namba come in for Ziyanda Ngohlekana and Ayanda Malinga, respectively.
Makua’s presence at lock has her Blue Bulls teammate Catha Jacobs switching to the role of replacement loose forward.
Malinga, another Pretoria-based player, misses out on selection due to head injury assessment (HIA) protocols after a knock sustained against France. Namba, who scored eight tries in 10 matches for Western Province in the Women’s Premier Division this year, will replace her as wing cover.
Raubenheimer said the selection of Jordaan was an easy one, due to her vast experience.
“I am happy to welcome Zenay back into team as she has trained well and is on the same page with us now. Her presence will add value to our decision-making and execution,” said Raubenheimer.
“The coaching staff felt that the team did well against France, considering the low base we started from with regard to match practice and sharpness. This group will get another chance to show that the lessons learned from the Vannes match can deliver positive change to the mistakes that were made.”
For Raubenheimer, the Cardiff clash will be another important step into the squad’s preparation for the World Cup in New Zealand next year.
“We are up against another opponent ranked above us just seven days after playing France,” the Springbok Women’s coach explained.
“We wanted to see at what intensity the French play and with that knowledge, we have a better idea what to expect from Wales. The two sides are more evenly matched than last week, so I believe we can create more opportunities for ourselves, so the challenge will be to make the most of those.”
Kick-off is at 2:15pm (SA time) and the match will be broadcast delayed live on SABC 2 at 7pm.
Springbok Women – 15 Eloise Webb, 14 Nomawethu Mabenge, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Nadine Roos, 10 Zenay Jordaan, 9 Tayla Kinsey, 8 Sizophila Solontsi, 7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 6 Lusanda Dumke, 5 Rights Mkhari, 4 Nolusindiso Booi, 3 Babalwa Latsha, 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Yonela Ngxingolo.
Subs: 16 Roseline Botes, 17 Asithandile Ntoyanto, 18 Amahle Nyoba, 19 Lerato Makua, 20 Catha Jacobs, 21 Unam Tose, 22 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 23 Simamkele Namba.
