Springbok Women veteran prop Yonela Ngxingolo will become only the second player to reach 50 caps for the national team if she takes to the field against Ireland on Saturday at Athlone Stadium.
The Bok Women are set to take on the Irish in the first of two WXV Global Series Tests in the Mother City (3pm kick-off), with the national coaches making a couple of changes to the team that last played against Spain.
Ngxingolo, who made her debut in 2018, will follow in the footsteps of retired Nolusindiso Booi as only the second woman to reach 50 caps. With regular captain and tighthead prop Babalwa Latsha injured and ruled out of the two home Tests, flanker Sizophila Solontsi will take over the captaincy, while Xoliswa Khuzwayo takes the No 3 jersey for this clash. Khuzwayo played at loosehead against Spain.
The Boks will face Ireland, ranked fifth in the world, for the first time since 2006, and co-head coach Franzel September expects a tough challenge.
“I think the team that handles the soft moments in the game best will be successful,” September said.
“We’ve only had two forced changes to our team with our tightheads injured, however, the new props coming in have been part of the system for the year and I am happy to have them. The team is also excited for Yonela and we are happy to be part of her milestone.
“She comes a long way with the team and she’s been playing a good role for us off the replacement bench recently. She knows what is required from her when she takes the field and we are excited for her and her family.”
According to September, the replacements will play an important role in the clash. South Africa have opted for a six-two split on the bench, although it can also function as a traditional five-three with hybrid Aphiwe Ngwevu among the replacements. She can fulfil the roles of flanker or inside centre.
That will allow September and his coaches to strengthen the backs or forwards when they decide to unleash the utility player.
“How she is growing in that role is brilliant to see. Against Italy she came on as a centre and versus Spain as a loose forward. We are excited about the fact that we can deploy her in that role. Her physicality and defence certainly bring something off the bench for us, whether as a back or as a loose forward.”
Springbok Women XV
15 Jakkie Cilliers, 14 Alichia Arries, 13 Maceala Samboya, 12 Shiniqwa Lamprecht, 11 Maria Tshiremba, 10 Byrhandré Dolf, 9 Unam Tose, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Lerato Makua, 6 Sizophila Solontsi (captain), 5 Catha Jacobs, 4 Vainah Ubisi, 3 Xoliswa Khuzwayo, 2 Anushka Groenewald, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie.
Replacements: 16 Lindelwa Gwala, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Thandile Mazwi, 19 Danelle Lochner, 20 Logan Welman, 21 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 22 Anacadia Minnaar, 23 Mary Zulu.