Springbok Women prepare for historic first Test against Black Ferns in South Africa

The Test, the first between the two sides on South African soil, forms part of a Greatest Rivalry double header, with the Springboks and All Blacks contesting the third Test of the series later in the afternoon.

Sixteen players from the match-23 that faced the Black Ferns in their previous encounter - in the quarter-finals of the Women's Rugby World Cup just under a year ago in England - have been included in the squad for this historic clash.

Sanelisiwe Charlie, Micke Gunter, Danelle Lochner, Logan Welman, Unam Tose, Jakkie Cilliers and Aphiwe Ngwevu, all of whom missed the recent trip to Fiji following rest and recovery protocols, are back in the squad.

However, Nadine Roos, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Eloise Webb and Anathi Qolo are unavailable due to injury, while Lerato Makua has been included, although she is unlikely to be fit for the Test.

Springbok Women captain Babalwa Latsha, who scored the first try against New Zealand in 2025, said is hard to believe that a year has passed since their RWC quarter-final.

"A lot has happened since, but it still feels fresh in the memory, playing New Zealand in what was such a huge occasion for us," said Latsha. "Most of us in camp were involved in that match, so everyone is ready to have another go at them."

Latsha said there is real excitement amongst the squad members on hosting New Zealand for the first time in a Test: "It is almost surreal to think we are only playing each other for the first time in South Africa on the occasion of a Test match in Rugby Greatest Rivalry between the Springboks and All Blacks.

"We certainly hope that this could be the start of something similar. We are slowly making our way into the top echelons of the game, which will allow us more matches against the Black Ferns. I think for both teams, to share such an occasion with their male counterparts, will be huge."

The matchday 23 will be named on Thursday.

Springbok Women training squad:

Forwards (18):

Babalwa Latsha, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Sanelisiwe Charlie, Yonela Ngxingolo, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Lindelwa Gwala, Micke Gunter, Anushka Groenewald, Nomsa Mokwai, Vainah Ubisi, Danelle Lochner, Sinelitha Noxeke, Nobuhle Mjwara, Catha Jacobs, Sizophila Solontsi, Aseza Hele, Logan Welman, Lerato Makua.

Backs (14):

Unam Tose, Anacadia Minnaar, Felicia Jacobs, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Shiniqwa Lamprecht, Zintle Mpupha, Patience Mokone, Ayanda Malinga, Jakkie Cilliers, Maceala Samboya, Maria Tshiremba, Alichia Arries, Byrhandre Dolf.

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