Due to the growing crisis of injuries in the defensive line, the Springbok women's team was forced to call up flyhalf Mary Zulu to strengthen the squad ahead of the WXV Global Series match against Spain.
The Springbok Women's team has faced serious problems due to injuries to key players, including Libby Jansen van Rensburg, Ayanda Malunga, and the long-term absence of Nadine Roos. To complete their WXV tour against Spain in Seville, the team relies on the stability and fighting spirit of its forward pack.
The resources of the Springbok Women's defensive line have been stretched during the European tour. Playmaker players Jansen van Rensburg and wing Ayanda Malunga were sent back to South Africa for medical treatment before the WXV Global Series final against Spain in Seville on Sunday.
These double injuries occurred after a hard-fought victory over Italy with a score of 41–29 in Pordenone. This match helped revive South Africa's campaign after a first-round loss to Wales, but it demanded significant physical exertion.
Jansen van Rensburg sustained an ankle injury during Saturday's win, while Malunga could not recover from a knee injury sustained against Wales last week. Their absence exacerbates an already critical injury list in the backline, which also includes the long-term absence of star playmaker Nadine Roos, as well as experienced midfielder Zintle Mpofu, who was ruled out before departure.
The situation is complicated by the fact that starting fullback Bayrandri Dol, who moved to flyhalf against the Italians after Jansen van Rensburg's departure, left the field for a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) and is currently undergoing HIA protocol 3 pending a final decision on her availability.
In response to this escalating problem, SA Rugby called up 23-year-old flyhalf Mary Zulu to join the team in Spain. Zulu, who captained the SA 'A' team in Brazil last month, can be immediately included in the starting ten despite her late arrival during the tour.
Unlike the changes in the backline, the Bok Women's forward pack remains a pillar of stability and depth. Loosehead prop Xoliswa Kuzwayo, who debuted in Tests against Spain in Valladolid two seasons ago, returns to Spanish soil as part of a strong front-row rotation alongside Sanelisive Charlie and Yonela Ngsingolo.
Kuzwayo noted: 'Returning to Spain feels like a full circle.' She added that she now has more experience than last time, and although there is healthy competition in the squad, everyone plays for the team. She also emphasized that among the top ten teams, they are still underdogs, but this does not stop them because they know where they are headed.
This forward power will be crucial on Sunday as South Africa aims to secure a victory over Spain to ensure a positive 2-1 tour record before returning home for a two-match series against Ireland in Cape Town next month.