Springbok Women’s coach Lawrence Sephaka named five debutants in the 23 member squad to face France in Marcoussis on Friday.
Fullback Cindy Cant, wing Nosiphiwo Goda and flank Rachelle Geldenhuys were named in the starting team, while replacement loose forward Shona-Leah Weston and fullback Siviwe Basweni would make their Test debuts should they take to the field.
“We were very impressed with the way these players performed against the Nomads and we believe they are ready for Test rugby,” Sephaka said in a statement on Thursday.
The Springbok Women won the recent two-match series against the Nomads in England and were using the tour as preparation for the Women’s Rugby World Cup in France from August 1-17.
“This experience will benefit them immensely going into the Rugby World Cup, especially since the quality and tempo of the clash against France will be higher than that against the Nomads. This is a fantastic opportunity for the players to prove their worth.”
The Springbok Women had only faced France once in the 15-a-side code in the Nations Cup in 2009 and the result was a 17-17 draw.
The players would arrive back in South Africa on Sunday, before assembling in Cape Town for their World Cup holding camp on July 14.
They depart again on July 27, with their opening match against Australia taking place on August 1. Their remaining pool matches — against France and Wales — would take place on August 5 and 9, respectively.
South African Women’s team: Cindy Cant, Nosiphiwo Goda, Veroeshka Grain, Lorinda Brown, Phumeza Gadu, Zenay Jordaan, Fundiswa Plaatjie, Lamla Momoti (captain), Vuyolwethu Vazi, Rachelle Geldenhuys, Nolusindiso Booi, Nomathamsanqa Faleni, Portia Jonga, Thantaswa Macingwana, Nwabisa Nxgatu, Replacements: Denita Wentzel, Cebisa Ncula, Asithandile Ntoyanto, Celeste Adonis, Shona-Leah Weston, Tayla Kinsey, Zandile Nojoko, Siviwe Basweni.
Source : Sapa /gbm/jlb
