Libby Janse van Rensburg to lead revamped Primpsick women's squad in match against Fiji

Libby Janse van Rensburg, who plays as a flyhalf, will captain the team in the upcoming trial match against Fijiana XV, which will take place in Suva on Saturday.

The experienced flyhalf will lead a significantly changed squad aiming to match the signature physical power of Fiji when the teams meet in the historic first match on Fijian soil. Janse van Rensburg becomes the twelfth player to captain the Primpsick women's squad since their first trial in 2004.

Despite extensive changes to the starting lineup, thirteen players from the match-day squad who participated in the previous trial against the USA remain in the squad, as the coaching staff continues to build squad depth ahead of the 2028 Women's Rugby World Cup.

Centre Shinkwa Lamprecht takes on the captaincy role for the first time, while the team's sevens stars, Patience Mokone and Zintle Mpufa, earn their first starting positions this year after returning to the fifteen-a-side format.

Team #BokWomen will face @fijirugby in Suva on Saturday with a new captain.

The squad also received reinforcements with the return of experienced World Cup participants Asese Hele and Lindelwe Gwala. They will wear the green and gold colours for the first time since South Africa's historic quarter-final appearance at the 2025 Rugby World Cup. Hele returns to position No. 8 after recovering from injury, and Gwala's experience and accuracy at hooker will be crucial in the anticipated midfield battle.

Another timely acquisition is the return of playmaker Bayrandri Dol to fullback after being rested during the second trial against the USA. Her kicking game and attacking vision add another dimension to the defensive line led by Janse van Rensburg.

Assistant coach Lorian Johannes-Haupt emphasized that although the squad may have changed, South Africa's identity remains the same. She stated: 'The personnel might be slightly different, but the mindset remains the same, and I expect hard work from everyone selected.'

South Africa enters the series having shown both sides of its game against the higher-ranked USA last month. The squad defeated the 'Eagles' in Johannesburg before opponents leveled the series in Pretoria, revealing shortcomings in ball retention that the Bok Women team targeted during preparation in Fiji.

Shinkwa Lamprecht has 'special ties' to Fiji, and she hopes to take the next step in her journey with #BokWomen in the Pacific region over the next two weeks.

Johannes-Haupt noted that the decision to split the bench into six-two reflects the challenge awaiting the team against the Fijian side, known for its physicality and expansive style. She said: 'We know how Fiji plays. They want to play expansive rugby, but we definitely need to dominate up front.'

This approach also creates opportunities for forwards such as Anushka Groenwald, Yonela Ngxinqolo, and Sinelita Noxeke to impress from the bench within the 'Blom Squad', while Xoliswa Huzwayo and Nobule Mdjwara earn their first starting positions since the Women's Rugby Africa Cup in Nairobi.

As permanent captain Babalwa Latsha completes the final stages of her rehabilitation in South Africa, Janse van Rensburg will lead the team striving to prove that the growing squad depth can ensure success in another major overseas match.

iol.co.zaAugust 4, 15:30

Springbok Women prepare for historic match against Fiji in test series

The Springbok Women team is preparing for an intense battle in the midfield in the upcoming test match against Fiji on Saturday. Vice-captain Libby Jansen van Rensburg believes that the lessons learned from the drawn series of matches with the USA last month have well prepared the team for this challenge.

The South African team will face Fijiana XV at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Saturday. This will be the first match of the two-match series on Fijian soil and marks a new historic chapter in the team's preparation for the 2028 Women's Rugby World Cup in Australia.

After a tiring two-day journey and the need to adjust to the ten-hour time difference, the Bok Women returned to the training field on Monday, focusing on the upcoming task. Jansen van Rensburg emphasized: 'The main thing now is the match itself, which we need to win on Saturday.' She added that, knowing how Fiji plays, the team is ready for physical confrontation despite the unpredictability of the opponents.

The experienced playmaker considers this trip more significant than just another overseas tour, as the series provides valuable experience facing a dangerous opponent in unfamiliar conditions. She noted: 'This is the longest trip we have made for a test match, but it is part of the bigger picture. Being part of history is great, but this is a new chapter for us.'

The series also offers an opportunity for young players to make an impression, as some experienced Springboks remained in South Africa for individual training programs. Jansen van Rensburg stated that this is a chance for new players to prove their worth and will serve as a test of the team's squad depth.

Previously, the Springbok Women demonstrated both sides of their skill against the higher-ranked USA team last month. The team secured a memorable victory over the Eagles in Ellis Park, and then the opponents drew the series in Pretoria, revealing weaknesses in the scrum work, which the Bok Women actively practiced before the trip to Fiji. Jansen van Rensburg admitted: 'We played poorly in the scrum in the second match and paid for it. On Saturday, this will be a key area for us if we want to succeed. We must improve to win here.'

The Springbok Women team will announce its squad on match day on Wednesday, aiming to start this historic tour with a convincing victory ahead of the second match next week.

iol.co.zaJuly 22, 08:15

Springboks Halfback Options: Who Will Start Against the All Blacks in the First Test Match?

In the halfback position for the Springboks, players such as Damian de Allende, Damian Willemse, and Jesse Kriel could feature when they face the All Blacks next month.

Preparation for a Major Clash

The Springboks team completed the first stage of the Rugby World Cup without any losses, accumulating a maximum of 15 points across three matches against England, Scotland, and Wales. Because of this, they are ahead of New Zealand in the Southern Hemisphere tournament standings based on point difference.

Now the team's focus has shifted to Argentina, whom they will play next weekend in Buenos Aires. This match will serve as the final preparation before the great rugby (RGR) rivalry against the All Blacks begins.

Selecting the Starting Lineup

In the coming days, Independent Media will analyze the recent successes of the Boks to determine who should start in the first test match against the All Blacks at Ellis Park stadium on Saturday, August 22nd. Previously, the selection of outside backs was reviewed, and Wednesday will be dedicated to the centers.

Options in the Centre Field

Among the inside centers are Damian de Allende (99 matches, played against England and Wales, player rating 7.5), Andre Esterhuizen (30 matches, played against England, rating 7), and Damian Willemse (52 matches, played against Scotland, rating 8).

As for the outside centers, the list includes Jesse Kriel (90 matches, played against England, Scotland, and Wales, rating 5) and Canan Moodie (24 matches, played against England, rating 7).

Impact of Injuries on Coach's Selection

Rassie Erasmus's options in the halfback position have been limited by injuries. The coach planned to test the Lions' center player Henco van Wyk during the home phase of the Rugby World Cup, but Van Wyk sustained an injury. Furthermore, Lukhanyo Am was called up to the Boks squad in June and played for the SA A team, but subsequently suffered an injury.

Andre Esterhuizen's participation in three games was restricted to a brief substitution against England, after which a clavicle fracture sidelined him. Esterhuizen will not be able to participate in the friendly match against Argentina in Buenos Aires, but since his injury does not require surgery, he should be available for the first test match against the All Blacks. There is a possibility that Van Wyk might be able to travel to South America.

Projected Lineup

At this moment, it can be stated that the proven pairing of De Allende and Kriel will play in the halfback position at Ellis Park against the Kiwis. Backup centers currently being considered are Esterhuizen for De Allende and Moodie for Kriel.

According to one of the possible Springboks lineups for the match on the 23rd against the All Blacks in the first test match at Ellis Park, Damian Willemse starts at position fifteen, Cheslin Kolbe at fourteenth, Jesse Kriel at sixteenth, Damian de Allende at twelfth, and Ethan Hooker at eleventh.