Four players with international experience have been included in the Junior Springbok Women’s squad that was named in Mthatha on Thursday at the conclusion of the SA Rugby u/20 Women's Week.
Western Province players Anelisa Ndamase (prop), Beyonce du Plessis (loose forward), Carmelita Malone and Ayakha Soga (scrumhalves) represented the Junior Springbok Women in their international friendly against Zimbabwe’s Junior Sables Women in August last year.
The squad will travel to East London, where they will prepare for the friendly international against the Junior Sables Women on Tuesday, 3 October, at Baysville High School, with kick-off scheduled for 11h00.
Junior Springbok Women's head coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt said the Mthatha tournament contributed significantly to the selection of the squad.
“This tournament delivered good rugby and it was beneficial to see so many of our country’s Under-20 players in action,” said Johannes-Haupt.
“I was impressed by the level of preparation showed by many of the squads and the quality of players that came to the fore.”
Johannes-Haupt said their focus will now shift to the camp and the match against Zimbabwe.
“The camp will focus on rugby specifics, such as set piece play, defence, attack, skills and conditioning,” she said.
“We will also take a holistic approach to the personal development of the players and how they can improve by having the right diets and conditioning programmes.”
Johannes-Haupt will be assisted by EP Queens backline coach and former Springbok Women’s player, Zenay Jordaan.
The Junior Springbok Women squad: Robyn Strydom, Bontle Moroke (both Free State); Anelisa Ndamase, Beyonce du Plessis, Carmelita Malone, Raeeqah Hendricks, Ayakha Soga, Sonica Adams (all Western Province); Siphokuhle Mdletshe, Palesa Mthembu, Setty Dlamini, Amanda Mpanza (all Sharks); Nomzamo Nimorundsini, Karabo Lebotsa, Shiniqwa Lamprecht (all Blue Bulls); Hermion Makgoka (Limpopo Blue Bulls), Sinalo Honono, Sindiswa Ngwenya, Thobile Msizazwe (all Golden Lions); Sese Duda, Somila Kebeni, Phola Mbonja, Lilitha Vakalisa (all Border); Rosie Leen, Shannon Pieterse (both SWD); Sinoxolo Soga, Sisonke Hawu, Shaunique Alexander (all Eastern Province).