Springbok Women's coach swings the axe for England

Springbok Women coach Stanley Raubenheimer has swung the axe on his underperforming team ahead of their final game of the tournament against England in Auckland on Sunday.

Just six players survive in the same position as they did in game Fiji as the side face the daunting task of taking on the Red Roses - hot favourites for the tournament.

Team captain Nolusindiso Booi, props Babalwa Latsha and Sanelisiwe Charlie, No 8 Aseza Hele, scrumhalf Tayla Kinsey and wing Nomawethu Mabenge have survived the cull, while Simamkele Namba swapsfrom the wing to outside centre.

What's more, the entire front row of Yonela Ngxingolo, Micke Gunter and Aziza Mkiva, lock Nompumelelo Mathe, scrumhalf Rumandi Potgieter, midfielder Jakkie Cilliers and outside back Chuma Qawe will be involved for the first time in New Zealand.

“We have always planned to give everyone a run if possible – all 32 players who came here were selected to play when called upon and that has not changed,” said Raubenheimer.

“We had a clear directive on what we wanted to achieve at this World Cup, but unfortunately it did not go our way against Fiji last Sunday. We will now give those players who have not played so far, the opportunity also to show they were worthy of selection.

“The experience to be at the World Cup will be beneficial to all in the squad after this match, as they would have experienced playing in the tournament. We could have gone with the same team, but that would not have the same benefits than exposing the wider group to topflight rugby.

“The England match was always going to be a massive challenge; they have put 50 points past all their opponents in recent matches.

“So, our outlook for this match is slightly different. I hope the new players and those making tournament debuts will bring energy and excitement. The World Cup is different from a normal test match, it drains you physically, but also mentally in more ways than one, so we hope the new players will bring a fresh approach to the game.”

SPRINGBOK WOMEN TEAM:

15. Eloise Webb

14. Nomawethu Mabenge

13. Simamkele Namba

12. Chumisa Qawe

11. Nadine Roos

10. Zenay Jordaan

9. Tayla Kinsey

8. Aseza Hele

7. Lerato Makua

6. Lusanda Dumke

5. Catha Jacobs

4. Nolusindiso Booi (captain)

3. Babalwa Latsha

2. Roseline Botes

1. Sanelisiwe Charlie

REPLACEMENTS:

16. Micke Gunter

17. Yonela Ngxingolo

18. Azisa Mkiva

19. Nompumelelo Mathe

20. Sizophila Solontsi

21. Rumandi Potgieter

22. Jakkie Cilliers

23. Chuma Qawe