Coach Cecil Afrika named a 14-player travelling squad for the tournaments in Montevideo, Uruguay (21–22 March) and São Paulo, Brazil (28–29 March). Experienced forward Catha Jacobs has also been recalled, while Nadine Roos will captain the side.
Eleven players from the squad that won four of their five matches in Kenya last month have been retained. The injured Leigh Fortuin is the only player from that tournament not included.
Afrika said the newcomers have adapted well in the squad and bring exciting qualities to the team ahead of the two tournaments.
“Catha is physical and has a strong presence on the field, while Maceala is very elusive with quick feet,” Afrika said. “Shanidiné is new to sevens rugby but she is a quick learner with good skills from her netball background.”
South Africa will open their campaign against Spain, with China and Brazil also on their day-one schedule. They will face Kenya and Argentina on the second day in Montevideo.
The Springbok Women’s Sevens currently sit second on the standings, with the top four teams qualifying for the HSBC SVNS World Championship events later this year.
Springbok Women’s Sevens squad:
Asisipho Plaatjies, Patience Mokone, Maria Tshiremba, Nadine Roos (captain), Byrhandré Dolf, Liske Lategan, Simamkele Namba, Shiniqwa Lamprecht, Shanidiné Bezuidenhout, Catha Jacobs, Ayanda Malinga, Lerato Makua, Maceala Samboya, Shannon-Lee Windvogel.