The Springbok Women will be bolstered by the return of captain Nolusindiso Booi for their final tour match against Italy on Sunday.
Booi has recovered from a knee injury and slots into the starting lineup in one of three personnel changes to coach Stanley Raubenheimer’s team.
Booi’s original lock partner, Bernice Strydom, has been promoted from the bench after recovering from a knee niggle, while Katlego Moremi comes in at tighthead prop. Moremi replaces Thantaswa Macingwane in the front row, with the latter being named among the replacements.
As a result of this change, Babalwa Latsha moves to loosehead prop. The other positional switch sees Sinazo Mcatshulwa move from lock to flank.
‘The most important thing for me going into this Test is to see us improve on our last performance,’ Raubenheimer said. ‘If we can do one or two things better than last week against Spain, we could work our way into a position to win.
‘What makes Italy different from other teams we have faced, is that they are more expansive in their approach. They enjoy throwing the ball around, so we need to be sharp on defence.
‘The team has a deep desire to win, and they are very focused on that.’
Springbok Women – 15 Vuyolwethu Maqholo, 14 Nosiphiwo Goda, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Demi Nel, 11 Alana-Lee Horne, 10 Kirsten Conrad, 9 Tayla Kinsey, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 6 Lusanda Dumke, 5 Nolusindiso Booi (c), 4 Bernice Strydom, 3 Katlego Moremi, 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Babalwa Latsha.
Subs: 16 Annique Geswind, 17 Thantaswa Macingwane, 18 Nthabiseng Marutla, 19 Karthy Dludla, 20 Charmaine Kayser, 21 Pennbry McNamara, 22 Fundiswa Plaatjie, 23 Snenhlanhla Shozi.
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