Junior Springbok Women’s coach Flash Malinga has announced the SA U20 side for their final clash in the R10 African U20 Women’s Series, on Tuesday against Uganda in Stellenbosch.
The U20 series, which is hosted by SA Rugby at Paul Roos Gymnasium’s Markötter Stadium, is supported by World Rugby, Rugby Africa and UK Sport, with R10 as the title sponsor.
Malinga says after the victories over Tunisia in their opening game a week ago, and the San Clemente Rhinos last Friday, he and his fellow coaches believe the girls have had enough time in camp to make a step up as the series concludes on Tuesday.
“The team we have selected to face Uganda allows us a final opportunity to test different players in different positions while trying to maintain the quality of strength in our team,” said Malinga.
“We’ve now had more time in camp and managed to cover off most of the things we’ve set out to do when it comes to attack and defence.
“If you look at the selection for the Uganda game, we will be hoping to create a strong dominance in the set pieces, but also play with some flair in the backline, and we believe these players will give us a bit of both.”
There are a number of changes to the starting team, two of which are positional switches - Leigh Fortuin moves from inside to outside centre, and Sisonke Hawu from midfield to flanker.
In the first game on Tuesday, Tunisia will take on the San Clemente Rhinos at 10h00, which will be followed by the clash between South Africa and Uganda at 12h00. Both games will be streamed live on SA Rugby's YouTube channel.
Junior Springbok Women team to face Uganda in Stellenbosch:
15. Jane Mulder
14. Robyn Strydom
13. Leigh Fortuin
12. Lilitha Vakalisa
11. Tiarisha Maritz
10. Sindisiwe Mboja
9. Charlize Jacobs
8. Bronishia Hess
7. Emihle Mayitshe
6. Sisonke Hawu
5. Abigail Smit
4. Dineo Ndhlovu
3. Sinothile Bhengu
2. Sinathi Mzamo
1. Anuschka Ekron
Replacements:
16. Anushka Groenewald
17. Sisona Mbenjo
18. Dembe Mbengeni
19. Arzydia Komar
20. Sarah Krone
21. Naima Hlatshwayo
22. Kwanga Majebe
23. Melissa Younie