Springbok Women Name Rejigged Side for WXV Global Series Opener in Cardiff
The Springbok Women will field a rejigged backline and one change to the pack that created four tries against the Black Ferns on Saturday, 5 September 2026, when they open their WXV Global Series campaign against Wales at the Cardiff Arms Park in Cardiff, Wales on Friday, 18 September 2026.
Logan Welman will start the match at No 8, swapping places with Aseza Hele, who will play off the bench in the only change to the run-on side up front.
Among the backs, Felicia Jacobs and Maria Tshiremba will earn starts after missing out on the Johannesburg showpiece, while Maceala Samboya, who started on the bench against the Black Ferns before replacing the injured Zintle Mpupha at outside centre, keeps that jersey to partner Aphiwe Ngwevu in midfield.
Felicia Jacobs and Tshiremba return after playing against Fiji last month, where Tshiremba scored a hat-trick on debut. Friday’s bench looks different though, with only props Xoliswa Khuzwayo and Nombuyekezo Mdliki and lock Nomsa Mokwai retained.
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Utility forward Sinelitha Noxeke has been added for a six-two split and bomb squad feel, while Jakkie Cilliers and Patience Mokone will cover the backline positions. Cilliers will be the back-up scrumhalf in the first meeting between the sides since 2021.
Babalwa Latsha, who made her debut at the Cardiff Arms Park in 2018, will again lead the team, with Libbie Janse van Rensburg, who scored a try in the Springbok Women’s last appearance at the same venue in 2021, as vice-captain.
Springbok Women co-coach Franzel September said changes were always on the cards as they want to use the WXV tour to build squad depth and provide starting opportunities to those who have played off the bench in recent Test matches.
“We are well underway towards the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup, not only in our planning, but also giving players experience at the highest level, something that this WXV Global Series will provide,” said September.
“This opening weekend is important for us, as we need to set the tone for the remaining two matches.”
Springbok Women Co-Coach, Franzel September
“So, we kept to what we know but also recognise that we need to expand our base,” explains September.
September added that they expect a massive forwards battle, as that has been a hallmark of both sides in recent years.
“Yes, it will be huge in the set phases, as both of us are strong in that department. I am happy with our progress in that area of our game in the eight matches we have played this year, but we know Wales will ask different questions here in Cardiff. We prepared well and will be ready for the challenge.”
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Latsha is already the most capped tighthead in Springbok Women’s rugby history, with Lindelwa Gwala the most capped hooker to don the green and gold since the very first Test match played in 2004, against Wales in Port Elizabeth.
Added to that, Aphiwe Ngwevu has played more Test matches at inside centre than any of her peers, and Janse van Rensburg could extend her Test points record of 221 in this match. On the other end of the scale, Tshiremba, Patience Mokone and Welman will be involved in their first WXV campaign.
Kick-off in Cardiff is at 20h15 SAST.
Springbok Women WXV Global Series Matchday Squad
15 Byrhandré Dolf (SA Rugby contracted): 30 caps, 81 points (8 tries, 19 conversions, 1 penalty goal)
14 Maria Tshiremba (SA Rugby contracted): 1 cap, 15 points (3 tries)
13 Maceala Samboya (Sanlam Boland Dames): 11 caps, 25 points (5 tries)
12 Aphiwe Ngwevu (Border Ladies): 36 caps, 85 points (17 tries)
11 Ayanda Malinga (SA Rugby contracted): 20 caps, 85 points (17 tries)
10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg (SA Rugby contracted): 35 caps, 221 points (14 tries, 56 conversions, 12 penalty goals, 1 drop goal)
9 Felicia Jacobs (Sanlam Boland Dames): 13 caps, 15 points (3 tries)
8 Logan Welman (DHL Western Province): 6 caps, 25 points (5 tries)
7 Catha Jacobs (Golden Lions Women): 31 caps, 5 points (1 try)
6 Sizophila Solontsi (SA Rugby contracted): 36 caps, 50 points (10 tries)
5 Danelle Lochner (Harlequins Women): 25 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
4 Vainah Ubisi (Isuzu Bulls Daisies): 27 caps, 45 points (9 tries)
3 Babalwa Latsha (captain, DHL Western Province): 44 caps, 40 points (8 tries)
2 Lindelwa Gwala (Sharks Women): 41 caps, 90 points (18 tries)
1 Sanelisiwe Charlie (Isuzu Bulls Daisies): 33 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
Replacements
16 Micke Gunter (Leicester Tigers): 18 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
17 Xoliswa Khuzwayo (Golden Lions Women): 14 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki (Border Ladies): 16 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
19 Nomsa Mokwai (DHL Western Province): 20 caps, 0 points
20 Aseza Hele (Sanlam Boland Dames): 35 caps, 85 points (17 tries)
21 Sinelitha Noxeke (Isuzu Bulls Daisies): 9 caps, 5 points (1 try)
22 Jakkie Cilliers (Rugby Club Toulon Provence Méditerranée): 26 caps, 157 points (11 tries, 42 conversions, 6 penalty goals)
23 Patience Mokone (SA Rugby contracted): 5 caps, 20 points (4 tries)
The Springbok Women WXV Global Series European Tour from 18 September to 4 October 2026
Fri 18 Sept: Wales vs. South Africa (Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff)
Sat 26 Sept: Italy vs. South Africa (Stadio Omero Tognon, Pordenone)
Sun 4 Oct: Spain vs. South Africa (Estadio Olímpico de la Cartuja, Seville)
Original Copy: SA Rugby Communications, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: The Springbok Women open their WXV Global Series campaign with a rejigged backline and a single change to the pack, as captain Babalwa Latsha leads a matchday squad blending record-setting experience with players stepping into starting roles for the first time this season, against Wales at the Cardiff Arms Park in Cardiff, Wales on Friday, 18 September 2026. Photo: SA Rugby / Gallo Images
Crédito: Link de origem