Experienced Jordaan back at flyhalf for Wales Test
The most experienced Springbok Women’s player on their European tour, Zenay Jordaan, will start at flyhalf against Wales on Saturday in the only change to the run-on team named by coach Stanley Raubenheimer.
Jordaan was not considered for the opening tour match, against France in Vannes last Saturday, due to a stomach bug, but she has recovered and will don the No 10 jersey at Cardiff Arms Park in her 29th Test appearance in the Green and Gold.
Jordaan’s selection sees Libbie Janse van Rensburg moving to the bench, where Raubenheimer made some tweaks to the finishers in the game.
With Janse van Rensburg on the bench, Jakkie Cilliers sits out this week, while Lerato Makua and Simamkele Namba come in for Ziyanda Ngohlekana and Ayanda Malinga respectively, with the duo in line for their Test debuts.
Makua’s presence at lock sees her Blue Bulls team mate, Catha Jacobs, in the replacement loose forward role.
Malinga, another Pretoria-based player, sits out due to HIA protocols after a knock sustained against France. Namba, who scored eight tries in 10 matches for DHL Western Province in the Women’s Premier Division this year, will replace her as wing cover.
Raubenheimer said the selection of Jordaan was an easy one, due to her vast experience.
“I am happy to welcome Zenay back into team as she has trained well and is on the same page with us now. Her presence will add value to our decision-making and execution,” said Raubenheimer.
“The coaching staff felt that the team did well against France, considering the low base we started from with regards to match practice and sharpness. This group will get another chance to show that the lessons learned from the Vannes match can deliver positive change to the mistakes that were made.”
For Raubenheimer, the Cardiff clash will be another important step into the squad’s preparation for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand next year.
“We are up against another opponent ranked above us just seven days after playing France,” the Springbok Women’s coach said.
“We wanted to see at what intensity the French play and with that knowledge, we have a better idea what to expect from Wales. The two sides are more evenly matched than last week, so I believe we can create more opportunities for ourselves, so the challenge will be to make the most of those.”
Kick-off is at 14h15 (SA time) and the match will be broadcast delayed live on SABC 2 at 19h00.
Springbok Women’s team to face Wales:
- Eloise Webb (Boland Dames, 6 caps; 30 points – 6 tries)
- Nomawethu Mabenge (EP Queens, 3 caps; 0 points)
- Zintle Mpupha (Exeter Chiefs, England, 8 caps; 51 points – 9 tries, 3 conversions).
- Chumisa Qawe (DHL WP, 5 caps; 5 points – 1 try)
- Nadine Roos (Boland Dames; 1 cap; 0 points)
- Zenay Jordaan (EP Queens, 28 caps; 69 points – 10 tries, 5 conversions, 3 penalty goals)
- Tayla Kinsey (Cell C Sharks Women, 16 caps; 36 points – 1 try; 14 conversions; 1 penalty)
- Sizophila Solontsi (Cell C Sharks Women, 7 caps; 10 points – 2 tries)
- Sinazo Mcatshulwa (DHL WP, 9 caps; 15 points – 3 tries)
- Lusanda Dumke (Border Women, 9 caps; 15 points – 3 tries)
- Rights Mkhari (Blue Bulls Women, 4 caps; 35 points – 7 tries)
- Nolusindiso Booi (captain, DHL WP, 25 caps; 10 points – 2 tries)
- Babalwa Latsha (DHL WP, 10 caps; 10 points – 2 tries)
- Lindelwa Gwala (Cell C Sharks, 11 caps; 5 points – 1 try)
- Yonela Ngxingolo (Border Women, 11 caps; 5 points – 1try)
Replacements:
- Roseline Botes (DHL WP, 1 cap, 0 points)
- Asithandile Ntoyanto (Border Women, 6 caps; 5 points – 1 try
- Amahle Nyoba (EP Queens, 1 cap; 0 points)
- Lerato Makua (Blue Bulls Women, uncapped)
- Catha Jacobs (Blue Bulls Women, 3 caps; 0 points)
- Unam Tose (Border Women, 4 caps; 0 points)
- Libbie Janse van Rensburg (Blue Bulls Women; 3 caps; 5 points – 1 try)
- Simamkele Namba (DHL Western Province, uncapped)
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