Winger Shaunique Alexander and Zethu Gcaza are set to earn their maiden Test caps in the starting lineup, while Abigail Smit could make her debut from the bench at the RFUEA Grounds. Their inclusion means all nine uncapped players who travelled with the squad to Kenya will have featured during the tournament, following six debuts in the opening victory over Madagascar.
The team shows a blend of continuity and rotation, with seven players retaining their starting spots from the first match. Captain Anathi Qolo shifts from lock to flank, replacing Sinelitha Noxeke.
Alexander’s selection marks a major milestone in her rugby journey. The pacey winger previously represented the Junior Springbok Women at Under-20 level and now gets the opportunity to wear the green and gold at senior level.
Changes in the backline include Thamie Yeko earning her first start at fullback, while Insaaf Levy moves into the starting scrumhalf role after debuting off the bench last week. Up front, Yonela Ngxingolo, Roseline Botes and Thandile Mazwi start, with experienced impact expected from the replacements.
Assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt praised the new caps and the squad’s versatility.
“We were really pleased with the debutants against Madagascar and hope to see the same again,” she said.
Johannes-Haupt described Alexander as a dangerous runner with sharp game awareness, while highlighting the promise of Under-20 players Gcaza and Smit.
Despite Uganda’s opening loss to Kenya, the Springbok Women are taking nothing for granted.
“Uganda are well coached and organised,” Johannes-Haupt said. “For us, the focus remains on improving our own game and taking another step forward this season.”
Springbok Women squad to face Uganda in Nairobi:
15 Thamie Yeko (EP Queens) – 1 cap, 5 points (1 try)
14 Alichia Arries (DHL Western Province) – 3 caps, 5 points (1 try)
13 Jakkie Cilliers (vice-captain, Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 22 caps, 124 points (10 tries, 30 conversions, 4 penalty goals)
12 Naima Hlatshwayo (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 1 cap, 0 points
11 Shaunique Alexander (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – uncapped
10 Mary Zulu (Sharks Women) – 16 caps, 45 points (1 try, 20 conversions)
9 Insaaf Levy (DHL Western Province) – 1 cap, 0 points
8 Logan Welman (DHL Western Province) – 1 cap, 5 points (1 try)
7 Anathi Qolo (captain, Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 12 caps, 5 points (1 try)
6 Ntsako Mbombi (Golden Lions Women) – 1 cap, 0 points
5 Nomsa Mokwai (DHL Western Province) – 14 caps, 0 points
4 Zethu Gcaza (Border Ladies) – uncapped
3 Thandile Mazwi (DHL Western Province) – 1 cap, 0 points
2 Roseline Botes (DHL Western Province) – 25 caps, 8 tries (40 points)
1 Yonela Ngxingolo (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 40 caps, 20 points (4 tries)
Replacements:
16 Anushka Groenewald (DHL Western Province) – 4 caps, 0 points
17 Xoliswa Khuzwayo (Golden Lions Women) – 10 caps, 0 points
18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki (Border Ladies) – 10 caps, 5 points (1 try)
19 Abigail Smit (DHL Western Province) – uncapped
20 Nobuhle Mjwara (Sharks Women) – 4 caps, 5 points (1 try)
21 Faith Tshauke (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 5 caps, 20 points (4 tries)
22 Anacadia Minnaar (EP Queens) – 3 caps, 3 points (1 penalty goal)
23 Chuma Qawe (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 15 caps, 7 points (1 try, 1 conversion)