Bok Women unleash new-look backline for Wales battle

Logan Welman will start the match at No 8, swopping places with Aseza Hele, who will play off the bench in the only change to the run-on side up front. Amongst the backs, Felicia Jacobs and Maria Tshiremba will earn starts after missing out on the Soweto showpiece, while Maceala Samboya, who started on the bench against the Black Ferns before replacing injured Zintle Mpupha at outside centre, keeps that jersey to partner Aphiwe Ngwevu in midfield.

Jacobs and Tshiremba return after playing against Fiji last month, where the latter scored a hat-trick on debut.

Saturday's bench looks different though, with only props Xoliswa Khuzwayo and Nombuyekezo Mdliki, and lock Nomsa Mokwai retained.

Utility forward Sinelitha Noxeke has been added for a six-two split and bomb squad feel, while Jakkie Cilliers and Patience Mokone will cover the backline positions. Cilliers will be the back-up scrumhalf for this match, the first since 2021 between the sides.

Babalwa Latsha, who made her debut at Cardiff Arms Park in 2018, will again lead the team with Libbie Janse van Rensburg, who scored a try in the Springbok Women's last appearance at the same venue in 2021, the vice-captain.

Springbok Women co-coach, Franzel September, said changes were always on the cards as they want to use the WXV tour to build squad depth and provide starting opportunities to those who have played off the bench in their recent Test matches.

"We are well underway towards the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup, not only in our planning, but also giving players experience at the highest level, something that this WXV Global Series will provide. This opening weekend is important for us, as we need to set the tone for the remaining two matches.  So, we kept to what we know but also recognise that we need to expand our base," explains September.

He added they expect a massive forwards battle, as that has been a hallmark of both sides in recent years.

"Yes, it will be huge in the set phases, as both of us are strong in that department. I am happy with our progress in that area of our game in the eight matches we have played this year, but we know Wales will ask different questions here in Cardiff. We prepared well and will be ready for the challenge."

The experienced Latsha are already the most capped tighthead in the history of the Springbok Women's rugby, with Lindelwa Gwala the most capped hooker to don the green and gold since that very first test match played in 2004, against Wales in Port Elizabeth.

Added to that, Aphiwe Ngwevu has played more Test matches at inside centre than any of her peers, and Janse van Rensburg could extend her Test points record (221) in this match. On the other end of the scale, Tshiremba, Makone and Welman will be involved in their first WXV campaign.

Springbok Women - 15 Byrhandre Dolf, 14 Maria Tshiremba, 13 Maceala Samboya, 12 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 11 Ayanda Malinga, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Felicia Jacobs, 8 Logan Welman, 7 Catha Jacobs, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Danelle Lochner, 4 Vainah Ubisi, 3 Babalwa Latsha (c), 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie.

Replacements: 16 Micke Gunter, 17 Xoliswa Khuzwayo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Nomsa Mokwai, 20 Aseza Hele, 21 Sinelitha Noxeke, 22 Jakkie Cilliers, 23 Patience Mokone.

READ MORE: Springboks touch down in Australia for one-off Wallabies Test