The match will also see flyhalf Mary Zulu and lock Anathi Qolo earn their tournament debuts in the starting XV. Latsha, the most capped prop in South African women’s rugby, leads the team for the first time at this level as head coach Swys de Bruin makes several changes from the side that beat Italy last weekend. 

Qolo partners Vainah Ubisi in the second row, while four more players are set for their first appearances of the 2025 World Cup from the bench: Luchell Hanekom, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Nomsa Mokwai, and Faith Tshauke.

Scrumhalf Tayla Kinsey, the most capped Springbok Woman in her position, will add to her 40 Test caps when she comes off the bench for her third World Cup campaign.

In the backline, only Chumisa Qawe retains her jersey from last week. Byrhandré Dolf returns to fullback and Nadine Roos to scrumhalf after filling different roles against Italy. Among the forwards, only Latsha and No. 8 Aseza Hele start again, with De Bruin rotating heavily after South Africa sealed their quarter-final spot.

“We wanted to make sure every player gets game time before the knockouts. That way, we’ll go into the quarter-finals with 32 fit and hungry players. Our medical team also advised on workloads, so this rotation was important.”

Several senior players, including captain Nolusindiso Booi, Danelle Lochner, Lindelwa Gwala, and Libbie Janse van Rensburg, sit out this round as part of that plan.

De Bruin praised the non-playing group for driving standards: “They’ve kept everyone honest, and now it’s their turn to contribute. This squad really works for each other, which makes the job easier.”

Looking ahead, he acknowledged France’s experience and flair but backed his side’s set-piece strengths. “We’ve identified areas to put them under pressure, especially at scrum time, and a smart kicking game could unsettle their rhythm. 

“It’s a massive test against one of the best teams in the world, and we’re excited for it.” Sunday’s game between South Africa and France in Northampton will kick off at 17:45.

Springbok Women – 15 Byrhandré Dolf, 14 Jakkie Cilliers, 13 Eloise Webb, 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Maceala Samboya, 10 Mary Zulu, 9 Nadine Roos, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Catha Jacobs, 6 Lerato Makua, 5 Anathi Qolo, 4 Vainah Ubisi, 3 Babalwa Latsha (captain), 2 Micke Gunter, 1 Yonela Ngxingolo

Replacements – 16 Luchell Hanekom, 17 Xoliswa Khuzwayo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Nomsa Mokwai, 20 Faith Tshauke, 21 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 22 Tayla Kinsey, 23 Aphiwe Ngwevu

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg