Franzel September: WXV Global Series to provide more opportunities

The Springbok women take on Wales tomorrow in their opening WXW Global Series at Cardiff Arms Park, following their historic Test match against the Black Ferns at FNB Stadium earlier this month. 

September says the plan for this series is to build squad depth and provide starting opportunities for more players who have featured off the bench in recent Test matches, adding that this aligns with the team’s plans for the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup.

"Yeah, it gives us a great opportunity to give more players exposure to play. I'm happy for Logan [Welman], she is gonna wear number 8 and Aseza that's gonna bring impact from the bench the last couple of minutes when she comes on to the field,” September said.

“That is all part of our plan for the 2029 World Cup so we're quite excited to see what's gonna come Friday evening."

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September has also provided an update on the plans the technical team has put in place for the players coming off the bench, with the team set to utilise a six-two split and “bomb squad” effect. 

Azesa Hele of Sanlam Boland Dames is the most experienced player on the bench, with 35 Test caps, while only Jakkie Cilliers, with 26 caps has more than 20 appearances for the national side. 

From the squad that faced the Black Ferns at FNB Stadium, only props Xoliswa Khuzwayo and Nombuyekezo Mdliki as well as lock Nomsa Mokwai retain their places on the bench. 

"Yeah, again to have our backs, give them an opportunity as well to play. Maria [Tshiremba] had a good Fiji tour as well so we're backing her with number 4 this time around,” he added. 

“So, I'm very excited for her. Having patience on the bench as well that can cover wing and full back and Jakkie [Cilliers] as well can cover 9 for us. All part of the bigger picture.