De Bruin has named a balanced 30-player squad that blends proven internationals with exciting emerging talent for the back-to-back encounters at Ellis Park and Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria a week later. The fixtures form part of an exciting day of rugby, with both matches taking place before the Springboks’ opening rounds of the Nations Championship.

The squad was confirmed after an intensive two-week alignment camp in Stellenbosch, where the national side reunited for the first time since last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Eloise Webb. Photo: SA Rugby

Despite dealing with a handful of injury concerns and the delayed arrival of several players returning from their Sevens commitments, De Bruin was pleased with the quality of work produced during the camp and believes the group is well prepared for the challenge ahead.

“This squad has not played together since last year’s Rugby World Cup, but once everyone arrived in camp, it didn’t take long for us to rediscover the understanding and chemistry that served us so well,” said De Bruin.

He expects a stern examination from the Americans, who recently competed in the Pacific Four Series against some of the world’s leading nations.

Springbok Women vs. Argentina. Photo: SA Rugby

“They have been playing high-quality international rugby and will arrive with good momentum. Our focus, however, has remained firmly on ourselves, and I am very satisfied with what we achieved over the last two weeks.”

Continuity remains a major strength of the squad, with 22 players returning from the group that reached the quarter-finals of the 2025 Rugby World Cup –  the best performance in South African women’s rugby history. 

The remaining eight players have earned their opportunities through impressive displays in the recent Rugby Africa Women’s Cup and consistently strong performances in the domestic Women’s Premier League.

There is also a welcome boost with experienced forwards Danelle Lochner and Micke Gunter rejoining the national squad after successful campaigns with their English clubs.

Springbok Women vs. Argentina. Photo: SA Rugby

De Bruin reserved special praise for his coaching and management team, highlighting the contributions of assistant coaches Franzel September and Laurian Johannes-Haupt, along with the support staff, who created an environment that allowed the players to focus fully on refining their skills and implementing game plans.

“There are still a few areas we’d like to improve when we get to Johannesburg next week, but overall, we are exactly where we wanted to be at this stage of our preparations,” he said.

The squad will, however, be without seven players who remain unavailable due to injury and return-to-play protocols, forcing the coaching staff to reshuffle their plans in a few positions.

Libbie Janse van Rensburg. Photo: SA Rugby

Attention will also centre on the appointment of a new captain following the retirement of long-serving skipper Nolusindiso Booi after last year’s World Cup. De Bruin confirmed the identity of the new leader will be revealed when the matchday squad for the opening Test is announced next week.

With a settled core, valuable international experience and several exciting newcomers eager to make their mark, South Africa will be hoping to build momentum ahead of a demanding international season while continuing the progress that has elevated the women's game to new heights.

Saturday’s Test at Ellis Park kicks off at 13:30.

Springbok Women’s squad

Props: Sanelisiwe Charlie, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Yonela Ngxingolo, Thandile Mazwi, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Babalwa Latsha

Hookers: Anushka Groenewald, Micke Gunter

Locks: Nomsa Mokwai, Danelle Lochner, Vainah Ubisi, Anathi Qolo

Loose and utility forwards: Sizophila Solontsi, Sinelitha Noxeke, Lerato Makua, Faith Tshauke, Catha Jacobs, Logan Welman

Scrumhalves: Anacadia Minnaar, Felicia Jacobs, Unam Tose

Flyhalves: Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Eloise Webb

Centres: Aphiwe Ngwevu, Ayanda Malinga

Outside and utility backs: Maceala Samboya, Alichia Arries, Byrhandré Dolf, Jakkie Cilliers, Shaunique Alexander

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg