South Africa’s Springbok Women are gearing up for a pivotal encounter against Kenya in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, with head coach Louis Koen making significant changes to the squad for this crucial match at Stade Makis in Antananarivo on Wednesday.
Coach Koen has implemented nine changes to the starting lineup and 11 overall adjustments as the Springbok Women aim to build on their impressive 55-0 victory over Cameroon in the tournament opener.
This strategic reshuffling underscores Koen’s commitment to leveraging squad depth and adapting tactics to counter Kenya’s formidable challenge.
One notable inclusion is the selection of Sikholiwe Mdletshe from Free State Women, who is set to earn her first cap for South Africa on the left wing.
Mdletshe’s outstanding performances in training have earned her this opportunity, reflecting the coach’s faith in her abilities to shine on the international stage.
In the midfield, Jakkie Cilliers partners with Aphiwe Ngwevu to form a new center pairing, complementing the dynamic backline strategy crafted by Coach Koen.
Experienced scrumhalf Tayla Kinsey, South Africa’s most capped in her position, will play a pivotal role in orchestrating play after swapping places with Rumandi Potgieter.
The forward pack sees key changes, with Azisa Mkiva, Roseline Botes, and Xoliswa Khuzwayo transitioning from bench roles to starting positions in the front row.
Botes and Khuzwayo will anchor the scrum alongside Mkiva, who replaced the injured Aliyah Tchogna-Njamen during the previous match.
Vainah Ubisi earns a start in the second row, while captain Nolusindiso Booi continues to lead the team’s charge from the locks. The combination of experience and fresh talent reflects South Africa’s strategy to maintain dominance in key areas of the game.
Coach Koen emphasized the significance of Mdletshe’s debut and the team’s approach to the upcoming clash.
“She has been really good at training in recent weeks, and having her on board for our European tour is now reaping rewards,” Koen remarked, highlighting Mdletshe’s resilience and dedication.
With preparations in full swing at their training camp in Sri Lanka, the Springbok Women are focused on executing their game plan against Kenya.
Coach Koen outlined the team’s strategy, emphasizing the importance of nullifying Kenya’s attacking strengths while maintaining disciplined play across all phases.
The match against Kenya holds immense significance for South Africa’s Rugby World Cup qualification aspirations, with Coach Koen acknowledging the challenge posed by Kenya’s coaching setup, which includes South Africa’s own Jerome Paarwater.
Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 (SA time) on Wednesday, with the action broadcast live on YouTube and SuperSport.
As anticipation builds for this pivotal encounter, South Africa’s Springbok Women are poised to deliver a spirited performance and continue their quest for excellence on the international stage.
The clash against Kenya promises to be a thrilling chapter in South Africa’s rugby journey, fueled by determination and a collective desire for success.
