Maria Tshiremba, who scored an impressive hat-trick in her debut match for the women's Springboks against Fiji XV in Lautoka, will have another chance to shine in the upcoming match against Wales on Friday.
The debut hat-trick scorer, Maria Tshiremba, will play against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park stadium on Friday. She has been included in the updated Springboks women's squad for the opening of the WXV Global Series, where she will take a wing position.
Tshiremba, a star of the Springboks sevens tournament, has established herself on the international fifteens stage after a stunning performance with three touchdowns against Fiji. She now receives a starting spot in the revised backline. Her squad is supplemented by late addition Felicia Jacobs at scrum-half—returning to the field where she debuted in the 2019 Test—as well as Macela Samboya, who will move to outside centre to replace injured Zintle Mpofu, playing alongside Afife Ngvevu.
In the front row, Logan Welman swaps places with veteran Asesa Hele, who moves to the bench. This is the only adjustment to the squad that previously scored four touchdowns against the Black Ferns in Soweto.
The WXV series kicks off this weekend for team #bokwomen, and this is match day 23. Co-coach Franzel September stated that the team is on track for the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup, not only in terms of planning but also in providing players with experience at the highest level. He emphasized the importance of this opening weekend in setting the tone for the remaining matches.
September anticipates a tense battle in the breakdown against the Welsh team, whom South Africa has been unable to beat since 2010. To counter this, the Springboks have prepared a 6-2 'Blomb Squad' bench, including utility forward Sinelita Noxeke, as well as backline reserves Jackie Killers and Patience Mokone.
The Springboks women's squad for the WXV Global Series match includes: 15 Bayandre Dol, 14 Maria Tshiremba, 13 Macela Samboya, 12 Afife Ngvevu, 11 Ayanda Malinga, 10 Libby Yanse van Rensburg, 9 Felicia Jacobs, 8 Logan Welman, 7 Kathia Jacobs, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Danelle Lochner, 4 Wynah Ubisi, 3 Babalwa Latsha, 2 Lindelva Gwala, 1 Sanelise Charlie. Reserves: 16 Mike Gunther, 17 Xoliswa Huzwayo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Nomsa Mokway, 20 Asesa Hele, 21 Sinelita Noxeke, 22 Jackie Killers, 23 Patience Mokone.