Vaina Ubisi set to start against Black Ferns XV as Springbok Women shuffle their pack again

The Springbok Women’s Rugby World Cup preparations have received a significant boost with star lock forward Vainah Ubisi set to start in Saturday’s clash against the Black Ferns XV at Athlone Stadium. 

Ubisi, who was nominated for SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year last year, is making her comeback from a long-term knee injury. 

“It's a big boost having Vaina back. Quite excited for her,” assistant coach Franzel September said on Thursday.

“I think Vaina has been part of the prep from June, I think, at Sass, with the group that stayed behind. So she was in and out with the group. So, I can't wait to see her go on Saturday.”

The 22-year-old is one of a raft of changes coach De Bruin has made to the team that played in the last fixture against Canada in Gqeberha as he continues to experiment with combinations ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England next month.

Captain Babalwa Latsha is one of only four starters in the pack that will wear the same jersey again with De Bruin making numerous changes to his backline. 

The much-expected half-pairing of Nadine Roos and Eloise Webb, who finished the Canada match at scrumhalf and flyhalf respectively, moving back to the regular positions.

Roos will slot in at fullback, while Webb has moved back to outside centre. 

Only Jakkie Cilliers starts in the same position she did in Pretoria and Gqeberha with Tayla Kinsey and Libbie Janse van Rensburg combining as the halfback pairing.

Maceala Samboya is back at left wing, having last played there against England U20 during their tour to France and Spain in April.

De Bruin said some of the changes were pre-determined, while pointing out that Nolusindiso Booi, Sizophila Solontsi, Danelle Lochner, Byrhandré Dolf and Ayanda Malinga are all recovering from niggles following the Test at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

“We wanted to make sure that everyone in the assembled group gets game time, while we also have the luxury of another match next weekend, where those with niggles can get a run as well,” said De Bruin.

“We have made good strides this far and we are improving. The Black Ferns XV will be tough opponents, but that is why we wanted them here.

“We don’t play against the top sides enough, so like we were against Canada, we will be tested in numerous areas of the game. The coaching staff are keen to see how this group of players respond to the challenges that the New Zealand side will bring.”

Among the forwards Aseza Hele will again wear her regular No 8 jersey, but she will be joined by flanks Lerato Makua and Faith Tshauke in a new-look loose trio. Makua played off the bench in both Tests against Canada, while Tshauke’s last test match was also in Madagascar.  

Springbok Women’s team to face the Black Ferns XV in Cape Town:

15 Nadine Roos, 14 Jakkie Cilliers, 13 Eloise Webb (vice-captain), 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Maceala Samboya, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Tayla Kinsey, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Lerato Makua, 6 Faith Tshauke, 5 Anathi Qolo, 4 Vainah Ubisi, 3 Babalwa Latsha (captain), 2 Micke Gunter, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie. Bench: 16 Roseline Botes, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 20 Catha Jacobs, 21 Mary Zulu, 22 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 23 Zintle Mpupha.