Swys de Bruin is determined to not only prepare the Springbok Women for a best ever performance at next year's Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, but to also deliver eye catching performances at next month’s WXV 2 in Cape Town.

SA Rugby confirmed De Bruin’s appointment as Performance Coach for the Springbok Women on Wednesday and the experienced coach already got stuck in early, with a first WXV 2 training camp in Gqeberha.

“It is great to be back with SA Rugby after being involved in with the Junior Springboks and Springboks in the past and I cannot wait to start their Rugby World Cup journey with the Springbok Women,” said De Bruin.

“This is also an opportunity for me to live my other passion, being a performance lead to other coaches, something I have been involved with in the last five years.”

De Bruin was impressed with the input received from his coaching staff – Laurian Johannes-Haupt, Bafana Nhleko and Franzel September – as they started to prepare for WXV 2 and the Women’s RWC.

“We are playing five matches in the next two months, and we had to hit the ground running, so it is good that there are good foundations in place and there is no need to re-invent the wheel,” De Bruin said.

“I was impressed by what I heard from Franzel and Laurian in our first week together, while my relationship with Bafana started a long time ago at the Lions, where he won national titles at age group level and I know we will all work well together, as was clear after our first couple of days in camp.”

The camp in Gqeberha aims to align rugby strategies and game plans with their newly appointed coaching staff, spearheaded by De Bruin.

De Bruin, Nhleko (defence), September (lineouts) and Johannes-Haupt (scrums) have started working in earnest to mould the Springbok Women into a competitive outfit for their immediate task ahead – a warm-up match against the Barbarians Women on 7 September and a Test match against Spain on 19 September – before WXV 2, where they face Japan (27 September), Australia (5 October) and Italy (12 October).

Four uncapped players were named in the training squad of 44 who will attend a national training camp for the first time, while the rest of the group all featured in the last two seasons, as well as nine regulars from the Springbok Women’s Sevens team.

Nombuyekezo Mdliki (Border) and the Sharks trio of Amanda Ndlovu, Nobuhle Mjwara and Vanessa Holmes were called up after impressing the coaching staff during the recently completed Women’s Premier Division.

The camp concludes next Friday. A squad of 36 players will then travel to Cape Town to fine-tune their preparations for the Barbarians match.

Springbok Women training squad: Xoliswa Khuzwayo (Golden Lions), Aphiwe Ngwevu, Eloise Webb, Nombuyekezo Mdliki (all Border Ladies), Roseline Botes, Luchell Hanekom, Nolusindiso Booi, Shaunique Hess, Azisa Mkiva, Sinazo Mcatshuwa, Nomsa Mokwai (all DHL Western Province), Mary Zulu, Tayla Kinsey, Amanda Ndlovu, Nobuhle Mjwara, Vanessa Holmes (all Sharks), Maceala Samboya, Felicia Jacobs, Chuma Qawe, Nompumelelo Mathe, Nomawethu Mabenge, Aseza Hele, Veroeshka Grain (all Sanlam Boland Dames), Babalwa Latsha, Danelle Lochner (Harlequins), Catha Jacobs (Leicester Tigers), Lindelwa Gwala (Ealing Traifinders), Sinelitha Noxeke, Sizophila Solontsi, Byrhandre Dolf, Yonela Ngxingolo, Micke Gunter, Chumisa Qawe, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Ayanda Malinga, Maria Tshiremba, Zintle Mpupha, Sanelisiwe Charlie, Jakkie Cilliers, Vainah Ubisi, Anathi Qolo, Unam Tose, Rumandi Potgieter (all Bulls Daisies), Nadine Roos (unattached).

There is little doubt that rugby changed the life and fortunes of Nadine Roos, but the journey is far from over for the 28-year old utility back.

Roos, who has played in 13 HSBC SVNS tournaments, where she has scored 244 points for the Springbok Women’s Sevens team, as well as two Rugby World Cup Sevens tournaments before she played in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, is back with the Springbok Women as they prepare for WXV 2 next month, building towards the Rugby World Cup in England next year.

She is no stranger to the fifteens team, having represented South Africa at the previous Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and has scored five tries in 11 Tests for the Bok Women.

“I am very excited to be back with this squad and although I have not played fifteens for the last two years, I am feeling at home already,” said Roos, who joined the squad on Sunday.

“There is a nice vibe amongst the players and everyone’s keen to make a difference. It has been two years, but I know I am a better player now than the one who was here last time, so I cannot wait to get going with this group.

“I realise there is a short turnaround time from the Olympics to be considered for the first game next weekend against the Barbarians, but I am certainly going to give it my best shot. I would love to play in WXV and to be part of the squad that will go to England for the World Cup next year.”

The decision to return to fifteens came with no guarrantees, but few would disagree that the University of Pretoria graduate does not shy away from challenges with her courage under fire a trademark of her game.

“The decision to leave fifteens two years ago and explore the opportunities sevens gave me, have made me a better player,” she insisted.

“I took up a professional contract in Japan and played there for six months, came back to play in the eight world series tournaments and then competed at the Olympics, the biggest stage for our sport.

“I am grateful for that as my decisions paid off, but the thing I am most pleased about is how it improved me as a player and a person. I am definitely coming back to the fifteens team a better player as the one who left last time.”

Roos said the new coaching regime means a level playing field for all and it will be up to the individual to show that they will be worthy of selection: “I have worked with coach Bafana (Nhleko) before as he came to assist our backs in 2021 and we had a very good session then. It became clear after our session today that training will be of a very high standard and intensity, just like the environment I like to compete in.”

Roos also feels the introduction of Swys de Bruin to lead the coaching team will lift the profile of the game: “It is really nice to know someone as esteemed and respected as he is, has been brought in and alongside the other coaches will certainly lift the standard of the team. That will lead to better results and improve the profile of our team. It is exiting times that await for sure.”

The Bulls Daisies and DHL Western Province will contest the 2024 SA Rugby Women’s Premier Division final on Saturday in Pretoria after winning their respective semifinals against Border Ladies and Sanlam Boland Dames.

The final is a rematch of the 2023 edition, which the Daisies won comfortably.

On Saturday, the Pretoria hosts had too many weapons in their arsenal for Border, winning 43-12 after leading 24-0 at the break. The home side’s pack of forwards were totally dominant in the game and their line-out drives worked to a tee. Hooker Xolelwa Diliza scored three tries off the back of those and in total, six of their seven tries were scored by the pack.

The Daisies took control early on and kept Border on the back foot throughout the match. The visitors managed to score twice in the second half, including a neat five pointer by Eloise Webb, but were no match for the Daisies on the day.

DHL Western Province replacement winger, Asiphe Mayaba, was the toast of the DHL Stadium faithful when she scored the match-winning try for her side at the death of their semifinal against the Dames. The try edged them to a 20-17 victory and into the finals in Pretoria next weekend.

It was a close match throughout, with both sides enjoying good spells. Boland will look at their scrum dominance and question why that did not yield better results and also ponder some weak defence on the perimetres, which not only allowed Mayaba her match-winner, but also got Voice Ndou her five pointer.

Scores were even at the break, but when Boland scored twice via Nompumelelo Mathe and Nomawethu Mabenge and took the lead with ten minutes left, they looked set for a trip up North, but it was not to be as WP responded with two scores of their own and Mayaba’s at the end being the decisive moment of the match.

Scoring summary:

Bulls Daisies 43 (24), Border Ladies 12 (0)

Scorers:

Daisies - Tries: Xolelwa Diliza (3), Vainah Ubisi, Faith Tshauke, Jakkie Cilliers, Lebogang Ralebona. Conversions: Cilliers (4).

Border - Tries: Eloise Webb, Owethu Nayiphi. Conversions: Webb.

DHL Western Province 20 (5), Sanlam Boland Dames 17 (5)

Scorers:

WP - Tries: Shaunique Hess, Voice Ndou, Asiphe Mayaba. Conversion: Alicia Willemse. Penalty goal: Willemse.

Dames - Tries: Nompumelelo Mathe, Nomawethu Mabenge, Chuma Qawe. Conversion: Qawe.

SWD Eagirls and Leopards race into First Division final

The SWD Eagirls laid down their strongest marker of the season in Mossel Bay on Saturday when they outscored Pumas Women 11 tries to one in their SA Rugby Women’s First Division semifinal, winning 67-5 to earn a home final next weekend.

They will meet Leopards Women at Outeniqua Park on Friday afternoon after the Potchefstroom side outplayed Limpopo Blue Bulls Women 32-17 at Olen Park.

The Leopards were always in control on home soil and were leading 22-7 at the break but, as always during the season, the Limpopo side refused to go away and stayed in the fight.

The Leopards had too much to offer though, and secured their trip to the Garden Route with a solid display between forwards and backs.

The Eagirls were on fire, with their backline almost untouchable. Shannon Lee Windvogel was again deadly in her finishing, scoring three tries, while the hard-working pack had no qualms to feed their dominant backs all afternoon.

Scoring summary:

SWD Eagirls 67 (29), Pumas Women 5 (5)

Scorers:

SWD - Tries: Nicole-Kay Flandorf, Danielle Jonas, Prelene Pegram, Marnazelle Rabie, Shannon Lee Windvogel (3), Shannon Pieterse, Chante Jonck, Siviwe Basweni, Destiny Daters. Conversions: Rabie (6).

Pumas - Try: Sonia Khumalo.

Leopards Women 32 (22), Limpopo Blue Bulls Women 17 (7)

Scorers:

Leopards - Tries: Teddy Gatyana, Baby Plaatjies, Teddy Boer, Kagisho Miggels, Verana Van Heerden, Kat Pomane. Conversion: Van Heerden.

Limpopo- Tries: Mahlatse Lekola (2), Katlego Mokaba. Conversion: Evelyn Mkhabele.

Springbok Women head coach Louis Koen applauded his troops for their structured approach in their final match of the Rugby Africa Women's Cup on Sunday, with the victory over Madagascar not only confirming Rugby World Cup 2025 qualification, but also sealed WXV 2 entry.

The South Africansbeat Madagascar by 46-17 to defend their title as African champions and kept their undefeated record at Stade Makis in Antananarivo, which now stands at six consecutive Tests.

“I am very proud of their effort today, but also in the first two matches of the tournament,” said Koen.

“It is tough playing three matches in 10 days and credit to the players who came out today and executed well. We really played well in the first half to lay the foundation for the win.

“We did concede tries that we will not normally do, but credit to Madagascar, who never stopped trying and pushing hard with the huge crowd behind them. We can certainly learn from these spectators how to support women's rugby; they were really good today.”

Koen said their opponents’ unconventional approach could easily have worked, but the Bok Women stuck to their patterns and plays and did not allow the home side into the game at all.

“They really play a different style of rugby, but we shut them out in that first half and laid a proper foundation for the win,” said Koen, who took charge of the team just over a year ago and believes the future of the Springbok Women is bright.

“We have a big number of regulars not here at this tournament and it is credit to those less experienced players who stepped up here in Madagascar and made sure we are going to England next year.

“Qualifying for the Rugby World Cup is a massive boost to all involved and I can only thank the stakeholders, players and management who walked this journey together. The game can only grow and improve from here.”

South Africa’s captain, Nolusindiso Booi, agreed with Koen: "We play to inspire the next girl or woman to pick up a rugby ball and I think this win and qualifying for the Rugby World Cup will mean so much to those who want to see the game grow.

“We are on the big stage and belong there, so the next steps are important. We laid the foundation for the next phase and it is so exciting to be part of it. Credit to the players, but so much praise must go to the coaches who prepared us so well for this.”

The Bok Women will arrive in South Africa on Monday and the players will return to their provinces for the Women’s Premier Division.

The Bulls Daisies were made to work hard for their top-of-the-table victory over the Sanlam Boland Dames in Pretoria on Saturday, but the bonus point win cemented their spot at the top of the Women’s Premier Division log, while the Border Ladies moved up to fourth with a tight win over DHL Western Province in East London.

Elsewhere, the Sharks Women and Free State Women were victorious on the road, winning their matches against the EP Queens in Gqeberha and Golden Lions Women in Johannesburg respectively.

The Daisies’ 24-12 win was their closest victory since the start of the league in 2023. Before Saturday’s game at Loftus Versfeld, their 24-10 win over the Bolanders in Wellington last season was the team from Pretoria’s smallest winning margin.

The Bulls Daises scored four tries – two of them going to Springbok Women speedster Unathi Mali – compared to the Dames’ two, and the home team led by 12-7 at the break, with both teams doubling their points tally in the second half.

Mali’s brace cemented her spot at the top of the try-scorers’ list with eight so far this season, two more than her teammate Patience Mokone.

In Gqeberha, the Sharks Women ensured they remain in the race to the semi-finals with an emphatic 40-14 victory over the EP Queens, with Phatheka Dzanibe scoring a brace of tries and Anesipho Malgas landing five conversions for the winning team.

The scores were tied at 14-14 at the break, but the visitors from KwaZulu-Natal pulled away in the second half and scored four unanswered tries for their second win of the season.

The Border Ladies also put in a massive shift after the break in their match against DHL WP at Baysville High School in East London, where they won 21-17 after the visitors from Cape Town held a narrow 5-0 lead at the break.

Both teams recorded three tries apiece, but the difference was Border’s experienced goal kicker Yandisa Nobanda, who converted all three five-pointers, while WP’s Anja le Roux was only successful with one after their first-choice kicker, Alicia Willams, had left the field.

The Free State Women laid the foundation for their 31-12 victory over the Golden Lions Women in the first half of their clash at Emirates Airline Park, where the visitors scored three tries without reply to lead by 19-0 at the break.

Four more tries were added in the second half – two apiece by each team – but by then it was too late for the Lions as the Free Staters moved up to fifth on the log.

Bernice Strydom again proved her worth for Free State, scoring two tries and adding a conversion, while Robyn Strydom also grabbed a brace with Anacadia Minnaar, who has played for the Springbok Women’s Sevens, also chipping in with two conversions.

At the conclusion of the fifth round, the Bulls Daisies are still “perfect” at the top of the log with 25 points, followed by the Sanlam Boland Dames (20), Border Ladies (16) and DHL WP (14) in the top four.

The chasing pack are made up of the Free State Women, who are fifth on 11 points, the Sharks Women in sixth, also on 11 points but with a worse points’ difference, while the Golden Lions Women (seventh on 5) and EP Queens (eighth on zero) bring up the rear.

Scorers:

Bulls Daisies 24 (12) Sanlam Boland Dames 14 (7)

Bulls –Tries: Xolelwa Diliza, Unathi Mali (2), Patience Mokone. Conversions: Zintle Nonkasana (2).

Boland – Tries: Buhle Sonamzi, Anita Tom. Conversions: Thanie Yeko (2).

EP Queens 14 (14) Sharks Women 40 (14)

EP –Tries: Mihlali Mgweba, Joanne Boesak. Conversions: Xenia Muller (2).

Sharks – Tries: Karthy Dludla, Phatheka Dzanibe (2), Owami Zikhali, Noluthando Mbambo, Mbali Bukhosini. Conversion: Anesipho Malgas (5).

Border Ladies 21 (0) DHL Western Province 17 (5)

Border –Tries: Mado Mdliki, Simangele Vula, Yolanda Ntibane. Conversions: Yandisa Nobanda (3).

WP – Tries: Thandile Mazwi, Voice Ndou, Anelisa Ndamase. Conversion: Anja le Roux.

Golden Lions Women 12 (0) Free State Women 31 (19)

Lions –Tries: Aviwe Hlongwana, Siyonela Macamba. Conversion: Provia Mashiane.

Free State – Tries: Bernice Strydom (2), Rivonia Leslie, Robyn Strydom (2). Conversions: Anacadia Minnaar (2), Bernice Strydom.

The top of the table in the Women’s Premier Division can look vastly different by Saturday night when the top four sides collide in what promises to be a very important round of action.

One takes on two and three faces four on Saturday and by the end of round five, the top four could be totally scrambled, while the bottom four teams will want to use this opportunity to keep themselves in the race for the semi-finals.

The action starts in Pretoria where the Bulls Daisies will be aiming for their 19^th consecutive victory when they host the second-placed Sanlam Boland Dames at Loftus Versfeld.

Both teams are joined on 20 log points, but the Daisies’ points’ difference of 224 is exactly double of the Dames’ 112, which probably indicates that the home team will take the field as favourites to be the lone side at the top of the log after this weekend’s encounters.

While the team from the capital have been in great form – their last match against the Dames ended in a 64-8 rout in last year’s semi-final – the Bolanders have shown a new lease of life in 2024, scoring 26 tries and conceding only six in their four matches to date.

Both teams are without their Springbok Women’s players, which should even the playing field, but when the first ball is kicked at 10h45 on Saturday morning – with the action broadcast live on SuperSport – what happened in the last month will count for nothing as these two go all out to remain at the summit.

In Gqeberha, the EP Queens will be desperate to move from the bottom of the log and record their first victory of the season when they host the Sharks Women at Adcock Stadium.

With one win so far, the Sharks will be regarded as the favourites for this match, and they will travel to Nelson Mandela Bay with the knowledge that victory – combined with a few other results going their way – could see them leap into the top four, which should be more than enough motivation to make the most of their trip south.

Roughly 300km northeast, at Baysville High School in East London, the Border Ladies – currently fourth on the log – welcome third-placed DHL Western Province in a match that is one of the biggest on the local calendar.

In 2021 and 2022, the Ladies upset their hosts in Cape Town to clinch back-to-back Women’s Premier Division finals, and they will be going all out to repeat those results, as well as last year’s 23-17 victory at home in East London a few months before DHL WP beat Border in the 2023 semi-final.

The final match of the round is in Johannesburg, where the Golden Lions Women host the Free State Women as a Vodacom URC curtain-raiser at Emirates Airline Park.

Both sides will be looking for their second victory of the season and have shown positive signs in their first four matches, setting the scene for a tense clash that could in essence go either way.

The Free Staters will go into the encounter high on confidence after their maiden Premier Division win last weekend, while the Lions will be keen to erase the memories of their last outing, in Cape Town, where they failed to trouble the scorers.

Match information:

Bulls Daisies v Sanlam Boland Dames

Date: Saturday 11 May

Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Kick-off: 10h45

Referee: Ashleigh Murray-Pretorius

TV: SuperSport 208

EP Queens v Sharks Women

Date: Saturday 11 May

Venue: Adcock Stadium, Gqeberha

Kick-off: 11h30

Referee:Bulela Qwane

Border Ladies v DHL Western Province

Date: Saturday 11 May

Venue: Baysville High School, East London

Kick-Off: 13h30

Referee: Angie Bezuidenhout

Golden Lions Women v Free State Women

Date: Saturday 11 May

Venue: Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg

Kick-off: 14h30

Referee:Siyanda Pikoli

Streaming:SA Rugby YouTube channel

Four players with Rugby World Cup experience will earn their first starts for the Springbok Women on home soil in 2023 in their opening match of the inaugural WXV2 against Scotland in Stellenbosch on Friday.

Tayla Kinsey, Aseza Hele, Lindelwa Gwala and Sanelisiwe Charlie all missed out on the Tests against Kenya and Samoa in the lead-up to the brand-new showpiece of the women’s game.

The quartet – who bring with them more than 80 Tests worth of experience – are returning from injury and well-timed rehabilitation protocols and are ready to be unleashed against Scotland, the ninth ranked team according to the latest World Rugby rankings.

Springbok Women head coach Louis Koen also named Shaunique Hess on the wing and Chuma Qawe at fullback in a reshuffled squad from the one that played against Samoa last weekend.

Hess last played against Spain in April. Qawe made her debut against Scotland in 2019 and also played against England at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand last year, but this will be her first outing since Koen took over as coach.

“We have a squad of 30 and plan to rotate them in our three matches this month,” said Koen.

“For this weekend and following our planning for the WXV opener, the squad selected will be the one that we believe will give us the best chance against Scotland.”

On the return of Hele, Kinsey, Charlie and Gwala, the Bok coach was pleased to see pre-match planning coming into fruition: “The four returnees bring valuable experience and also come in fresh after working hard to get back to match fitness, so credit to them and our medical staff for putting in the hours away from the limelight.”

Koen added that they have a broader objective as well that impacted on the selection strategy.

“We are working towards Rugby World Cup 2025, and it will be important to have an experienced core of players for that, so giving them as much test match experience as possible will also benefit us in the long run,” he said, adding that they have good balance in the match day squad.

“We will have a good set-piece and the rotation will mean that we will be eager and fresh. I believe we will be competitive in this match. Last weekend, Nolusindiso Booi started against Samoa and Danelle Lochner played off the bench, so we are rotating them, as we do with Catha Jacobs and Sinazo Mcatshulwa and I am confident that each of those will make a significant contribution in the match.”

Koen said they are realistic in their approach against the Scots: “They are improving with rapid strides and had some great wins in the Six Nations earlier in the year. They play with a lot of pace, they have a good kicking game and are well-coached and organised, so this is going to be a real challenge for us.

“We will be tested, but that is what we need. We want these games and more of them to improve and build towards our goal to become a top five side in the world.

“This will be a perfect opportunity to see where we are in our growth and progress.”

Kick-off is at 16h30 and the match will be preceded by the tournament opener between Italy and Japan (14h00). WXV tickets are availablehere. All matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Springbok Women v Scotland in Stellenbosch:

15. Chuma Qawe - 4 caps, 0 points

14. Maceala Samboya - 1 cap, 5 points (1 try)

13. Veroeshka Grain - 14 caps, 35 points (7 tries)

12. Piwokuhle Nyanda - 5 caps, 0 points

11. Shaunique Hess - 2 caps, 10 points (2 tries)

10. Libbie Janse van Rensburg (vice-captain) - 17 caps, 161 points (7 tries, 48 conversions, 9 penalty goals, 1 drop goal)

9. Tayla Kinsey - 28 caps, 48 points (2 tries, 16 conversions, 2 penalty goals)

8. Aseza Hele - 18 caps, 30 points (6 tries)

7. Sinazo Mcatshulwa - 24 caps, 45 points (9 tries)

6. Lusanda Dumke - 25 caps, 30 points (6 tries)

5. Danelle Lochner - 7 caps, 10 points (2 tries)

4. Vainah Ubisi - 6 caps, 0 points

3. Babalwa Latsha (captain) - 24 caps, 20 points (4 tries)

2. Lindelwa Gwala - 25 caps, 25 points (5 tries)

1. Sanelisiwe Charlie - 10 caps, 5 points (1 try)

Replacements:

16. Roseline Botes - 13 caps, 40 points (8 tries)

17. Yonela Ngxingolo - 25 caps, 10 points (2 tries)

18. Amber Schonert - 3 caps, 0 points

19. Nolusindiso Booi (vice-captain) - 37 caps, 10 points (2 tries)

20. Catha Jacobs - 12 caps, 0 points

21. Micke Gunter - 6 caps, 0 points

22. Rumandi Potgieter - 9 caps, 0 points

23. Mary Zulu - 5 caps, 2 points (1 conversion)

Nolusindiso Booi will become the most-capped Springbok Women’s player yet when they take on Samoa in Hermanus on Saturday, while – at the other end of the scale – Maceala Samboya be will making her Test debut for South Africa.

Booi has been named at lock for the clash against Manusina Samoa at Hermanus High School for what will be her 37^th Test – passing the 36-cap mark she shared with Zenay Jordaan – while the venue will also hold special memories for wing Samboya, who hails from Malmesbury and represented the Boland Dames in this year’s Women’s Premier Division.

Booi, who started her international career against Kazakhstan in 2010, has captained the Springbok Women 13 times since 2018 and is the only player in the squad that faced Samoa in a Test match before, in 2014 when South Africa won by 25-24 in Paris.

Head coach Louis Koen again named Babalwa Latsha as captain for the match, with the tighthead prop one of 10 players who retain their places in the starting line-up from their 77-12 win over Kenya in Cape Town last month.

There are two changes in the backline. Samboya, who will play on the right wing, will make her first Test start after running out in the recent warm-up matches against the San Clemente Rhinos and Barbarians, while scrumhalf Unam Tose, who played off the bench against Kenya, will swop with Rumandi Potgieter, who will finish the game in Hermanus.

Koen named a new lock pairing to start against the Samoans. Booi and Vainah Ubisi both played off the bench against Kenya, but they now swop jerseys with Sinazo Mcatshulwa and Danelle Lochner, who will both finish the game this time.

In the final change to the starting team, Asithandile Ntoyanto will start at loosehead prop, while Yonela Ngxingolo will earn her 25^th cap off the bench.

“This is the first of four Test matches in four weeks, so it was important to make sure that everyone in the group gets enough match time,” said Koen.

“Everyone in the squad of 30 has an important role to play in the WXV tournament, whether it is starting this weekend, coming off the bench or being part of the backbone group not involved in the match.

“We have our plans for this clash against Samoa, who are a very physical side, and the starting team has a specific role to play for us on Saturday.”

Koen congratulated Booi on becoming the most capped Test player for the Springbok Women: “She has an inspirational story and Cindi's ability to come back from injury so many times is testimony of her will to succeed and her passion for this jersey.

“She is such a strong leader in our group as well and a brilliant example to the younger players about the values and virtues of being a Springbok Women test player.”

The coach said Samboya's debut in her home province was an added bonus to the 24-year-old, who also works as a sports coach at the Swartland Community Sports Centre in Malmesbury.

“Maceala has impressed from the very first day she joined the squad, and I am really pleased for her,” said Koen. “She did very well in the two warm-up matches against the Rhinos and Barbarians and I believe she is ready for test rugby, despite being fairly new to the game.”

Koen said they are expecting a bruising battle at Hermanus High School on Saturday.

“It is wonderful to be playing at yet another new venue and to bring test rugby to the Hermanus community, where women's rugby is strong and popular,” said Koen.

“Samoa will be physical and the fact that they also qualified in WXV 2 tells you everything you need to know about their ability. We are also playing them in the last round of that tournament, but this will be an entirely different match.

“We hope we can have a good crowd on the day and that both teams will benefit from this outing, our last before next weekend's WXV.”

The match kicks off at 15h00 and entrance is free, while the action will also be streamed live on the Official Springboks YouTube channel.

Springbok Women vs Samoa in Hermanus:

15. Byrhandrѐ Dolf – 6 caps, 5 points (1 try)

14. Micaela Samboya – uncapped

13. Jakkie Cilliers – 9 caps, 26 points (2 tries, 5 conversions, 2 penalty goals)

12. Piwokuhle Nyanda – 4 caps, 0 points

11. Veroeshka Grain – 13 caps, 30 points (6 tries)

10. Libbie Janse van Rensburg (vice-captain) – 16 caps, 159 points (7 tries, 47 conversions, 9 penalty goals, 1 drop goal)

9. Unam Tose – 16 caps, 0 points

8. Lusanda Dumke – 24 caps, 30 points (6 tries)

7. Catha Jacobs – 11 caps, 0 points

6. Nompumelelo Mathe – 15 caps, 25 points (5 tries)

5. Vainah Ubisi – 5 caps, 0 points

4. Nolusindiso Booi (vice-captain) – 36 caps, 10 points (2 tries)

3. Babalwa Latsha (captain) – 23 caps, 15 points (3 tries)

2. Roseline Botes – 12 caps, 40 points (8 tries)

1. Asithandile Ntoyanto – 18 caps, 15 points (3 tries)

Replacements:

16. Luchell Hanekom – 1 cap, 0 points

17. Yonela Ngxingolo – 24 caps, 10 points (2 tries)

18. Amber Schonert – 3 caps, 0 points

19. Danelle Lochner – 6 caps, 10 points (2 tries)

20. Sinazo Mcatshulwa – 23 caps, 45 points (9 tries)

21. Rumandi Potgieter – 8 caps, 0 points

22. Unathi Mali – 1 cap, 5 points (1 try)

23. Mary Zulu – 4 caps, 2 points (1 conversion)

Winning a first SA Rugby Women's Premier Division title since 2006 brought a variety of emotions to Loftus Versfeld on Saturday and it was no different for Bulls Daisies head coach, Hayden Groepes.

The coach was taking it all in after the formalities of the final, won69-8 by his team, observing the joyful celebrations with a big smile.

“I am just so happy for everybody involved,” Groepes said afterwards.

“The effort put in by the squad, the management, the support staff, the union, the staff from the Blue Bulls Company, it was just amazing and culminated in a victory here today.”

The consistency of the squad during the season – helping them to a 14-game winning streak – was a clear indication that something was done right at Loftus Versfeld and Groepes said time spent with the players was crucial to make that happen.

“We were very fortunate to have time with the players during the year, but without their efforts over the last 43 weeks this would not have happened,” said Groepes.

“We started with 35 players and also went to the clubs for a couple more, so in the end around 42 to 43 players were involved, and to have their efforts rewarded here today, is just special.”

Groepes said the importance of team culture laid the foundation to the synergy and consistency from the squad: “We drove culture more than anything else when we started this journey. Our ability to connect with one another and to share stories was a special part of this journey and that resulted in the commitment should by every individual on the field.”

According to Groepes, the ability for the team to connect was crucial: “We brought in players from all over the country and managed to unify them into a like-minded approach and got these athletes to showcase their talents. The fact that it brought us a first title after so many years was a result of that.”

The final on the B-field at Loftus Versfeld was attended by an enthusiastic crowd and Groepes could not praise their support enough.

“The excitement of this crowd was great to experience,” he said. “They consisted of all races, age groups and the support given to our young women was just so heart-warming and appreciated, it was special to be part of such a phenomenal day.”

The decision to create a professional outfit benefitted the Daisies on this journey and from a wider perspective, Groepes hopes that more unions will follow that path, as it will enhance the tournament and level of competition even more.

“I think we have shown to the other unions what is possible and what can be produced in a programme that is properly funded. That will only enhance the brand of women's rugby, which will grow the sport even more,” he explained.

SA Rugby's High-Performance Manager for Women's rugby, Lynne Cantwell, said the tournament provides an important element towards the pathway to professional rugby for the women's game.

“The Bulls’ decision to go professional is a first look at what is possible in this regard,” said Cantwell.

“The main focus for us is to have a league where competitive teams play each other every week. It will take a year or two to achieve that, but other unions are already looking at becoming professional as well.

“That will result in the improvement in other areas of the game as well, such as sport science and recovery, while we have already seen the wider exposure that was generated by SuperSport's involvement in broadcasting games each weekend, which will result in more interest and participation.”

The Bulls Daises made it 13 in a row in their SA Rugby Women's Premier Division campaign on Saturday when they outplayed Boland Dames in the first of two semi-finals to set up a home final against DHL Western Province next weekend after the Capetonians beat the Border Ladies in the other playoff.

This will be the first time the Daisies – who won their semi-final by 64-8 – will feature in the domestic final, while DHL WP have been there before, beating the Ladies by 27-15 to avenge their defeats to the Border side in the last two finals.

The Daisies continued their merry way in 2023 and scored 10 tries to secure their first final in the competition. They were put under some pressure by the Boland Dames at times, but had too much pace and guile for their southern opponents, who played in spurts.

The home side held a 31-5 lead at the break, with Ayanda Malinga and Jakkie Cilliers scoring sublime tries, amongst others. Although guilty of some laboured passing in the backs at times, the Daisies’ support play was exceptional and Boland, brave as they were, could not stop the women from Pretoria when in full flow.

The Daisies’ loose trio of Lerato Makua, Rights Mkhari and Lusanda Dumke provided continuity on attack and proved the ideal link between the pack and the backs.

Boland's woes started at lineout time, where could hardly secure any possession, but credit to the team from the Winelands, as they refused to stop playing, even when the result was a forgone conclusion. They had a number of line breaks and their pick and go play was good, but overall, the just did not have the tools to get the job done.

DHL Western Province had to fight back at City Park in Cape Town to get past the determined Border Ladies, who won the title for the last two seasons.

The Eastern Cape side, using the strong wind in their backs in the first half, showed good composure and held a 7-5 lead at the break. That was extended to 10-5 early in the second half, but then everything fell apart for the visitors.

Province were starting to speed the game up and Border seemed to panic, resulting in a number of penalties and then yellow cards dished out by referee Angie Bezuidenhout. Three Ladies players were given their marching orders in quick succession and with 12 players against 15, the visitors just could not stop the momentum WP was gaining.

Tries by wings Alichia Arries and Donelle Snyders proved the difference in the end – both scored courtesy of their numerical advantage on the field – helped WP to progress to their third consecutive final.

Scorers:

Bulls Daisies 64 (31), Boland Dames 8 (5)

Daisies – Tries: Asithandile Ntoyanto, Micke Gunter, Lerato Makua, Rights Mkhari, Lusanda Dumke, Zintle Nonkasana, Jakkie Cilliers, Ayanda Malinga (2), Unam Tose. Conversions: Byrhandre Dolf (3), Libbie Janse van Rensburg (4).

Dames – Try: Demi Nel. Penalty goal: Nel.

DHL Western Province 27 (5), Border Ladies 15 (7)

WP – Tries: Anelisiwe Mxabo, Alichia Arries (2), Chumisa Qawe, Donnelle Snyders. Conversion: Chuma Qawe.

Border – Tries: Snenhlanhla Shozi, Hope Gosling. Conversion: Siphenathi Yeko. Penalty Goal: Yeko.