Springbok Women name squad for Black Ferns XV in final World Cup tune-up

The two matches against the touring New Zealand side will be played at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on 26 July and 2 August, with kick-off scheduled for 17h00.

De Bruin added six players to the group that concluded their two-Test series against Canada in Pretoria and Gqeberha, with the recall of Vainah Ubisi the most significant.

Ubisi just completed the final stages of her rehabilitation following knee surgery early in the year, and the 18-cap lock should make her first appearance of the year for the national team in one of the two matches.

Four players who formed part of the Rugby Africa Women's Cup winning group - Mary Zulu, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Anathi Qolo and Faith Tshauke - rejoin the squad along with Maceala Samboya, who toured France and Spain with the team earlier this year.

The squad consists of 13 backs and 19 forwards, and De Bruin said the new players will have no problems slotting back in.

"We are very close to our final Rugby World Cup squad and those six joining the group all have played and toured with us in the past," said De Bruin.

"They are up to date with all our plays and structures, so we can get our hands dirty from our first session on Monday, to be best prepared for the two matches.

"I am happy to see Vainah back in the mix as well. She is one of the best in her position in the game and we followed her rehabilitation with interest. Credit to all the medical staff involved, who helped her on the way."

De Bruin admitted that the Black Ferns XV will provide a very stiff challenge: "They have the whole bag of tricks in their squad. There are Blacks Ferns players who will be on the standby list for Rugby World Cup selection, a strong group of players who have good experience in their Super Rugby Aupiki tournament, and some very promising youngsters coming through the ranks.

"We need to be tested in all areas of our game, so welcome that. Canada did provide clarity on some of our work-ons and this Black Ferns XV team will hopefully do the same."

Springbok Women squad for the Black Ferns XV matches:

Forwards: Sanelisiwe Charlie, Yonela Ngxingolo, Babalwa Latsha, Azisa Mkiva, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Micke Gunter, Luchell Hanekom, Roseline Botes, Danelle Lochner, Nolusindiso Booi, Nomsa Mokwai, Vainah Ubisi, Anathi Qolo, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Lerato Makua, Catha Jacobs, Aseza Hele, Sizophila Solontsi, Faith Tshauke.

Backs: Byrhandre Dolf, Jakkie Cilliers, Ayanda Malinga, Maceala Samboya, Zintle Mpupha, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Chumisa Qawe, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Eloise Webb, Mary Zulu, Unam Tose, Nadine Roos, Tayla Kinsey.

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