Springbok Women revamp backline for WXV opener against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park

South Africa’s Springbok Women open their WXV Global Series campaign against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday 18 September, with newly appointed co-coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September naming a revamped backline and one change to the forward pack that scored four tries against the Black Ferns in Johannesburg earlier this month.

Babalwa Latsha captains the side, returning to a ground where she made her debut in 2018. Vice-captain Libbie Janse van Rensburg, who scored at the same venue in 2021, starts at fly-half alongside Felicia Jacobs and carries a Test points record of 221 that she can extend on Friday. Maria Tshiremba, who announced herself with a hat-trick on debut against Fiji last month, comes back into the backline, with Maceala Samboya and Aphiwe Ngwevu paired in midfield.

The sole change up front sees Logan Welman come in at No 8 in place of Aseza Hele, who drops to the bench. South Africa have opted for a six-two split among their replacements, with props Xoliswa Khuzwayo and Nombuyekezo Mdliki and lock Nomsa Mokwai retained. Backline cover is provided by Jakkie Cilliers and Patience Mokone, while utility forward Sinelitha Noxeke has been added with a “bomb squad” impact in mind.

Co-coach Franzel September framed the tournament explicitly within a longer-term project, saying the squad is “well underway towards the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup, not only in our planning, but also giving players experience at the highest level.” He added that the opening weekend carries particular weight: “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.”

September acknowledged that the set-piece battle will be central at Cardiff, noting that both sides are strong in that area, but warned his players to expect different questions from Wales on home soil. “We prepared well and will be ready for the challenge,” he said.

The match represents the first of three WXV fixtures for South Africa, and September confirmed the series will be used to build squad depth and maximise starting opportunities for players who have featured primarily from the bench in recent Tests.