There are 12 DHL Western Province players in the 28-member SA Select Women’s squad for the tour to England from 12 to 25 October.
The SA Select Women will face the British Army in the first of three matches on Saturday, which will be followed by clashes against the England Academy team on Wednesday, 18 October, and Sunday, 22 October, respectively.
Locks Celeste Adonis and Nolusindiso Booi, prop Asithandile Ntoyanto, and scrumhalf Fundiswa Plaatjie were all members of the 2014 Springbok Women’s Rugby World Cup squad, while all of the players with the exception of Ntoyanto also played for the Springbok Women’s Sevens team.
Winger Nosiphiwo Goda, lock Rights Mkhari, flyhalf Kirsten Conrad, utility back Unathi Mali and centre Zinhle Ndawonda, meanwhile, all made their Springbok Women’s Sevens debuts in the last two seasons. The squad includes 17 forwards and 11 backs.
“It is valuable to have these players among the youngsters and it contributes to a balanced squad,” said Myners.
“One could see the senior players leading by example at training, and the guidance they offered was invaluable. I have no doubt that it will be the same on the field.”
The coach was pleased with the team’s preparations since they assembled in Stellenbosch two Sunday’s ago, and said: “Our preparation has been very good, and I am excited to see the players take to the field. There has been a massive improvement in the standards since we assembled and the players know what we expect from them in England.”
The team will depart for London on Wednesday, and while Myners is expecting a massive test, he is also excited to see what his team had to offer.
“Our focus at this point is solely on our first match,” said Myners.
“If we can get through that and earn the desired result it will certainly boost the players’ confidence going into the matches against the England Academy.
“This is the first women’s 15-a-side tour since 2014 and the players are excited to measure themselves against international competition, and are determined to make the country proud.”
SA Select Women’s team for the UK:
Forwards
Celeste Adonis (lock), DHL Western Province
Nolusindiso Booi (lock), Border
Thuliswa Capa (prop), Border
Lusanda Dumke (flank), Border
Annique Geswind (hooker), DHL Western Province
Aseza Hele (No 8), Eastern Province
Abigail Jantjies (hooker), Golden Lions
Charmaine Kayser (No 8), DHL Western Province
Amy-Kay Klaasen (lock), DHL Western Province
Babalwa Latsha (prop), DHL Western Province
Ncediswa Mahijani (prop), DHL Western Province
Kamohele Makoele (flank), Free State
Sinazo Mcatshulwa (flank), DHL Western Province
Rights Mkhari (lock), Limpopo Blue Bulls
Katlego Moremi (prop), Blue Bulls
Asithandile Ntoyanto (prop), Border
Thandi Xwetu (hooker), DHL Western Province
Backs
Kirsten Conrad (Flyhalf), DHL Western Province
Nosiphiwo Goda (wing), Border
Felicia Jacobs (scrumhalf), DHL Western Province
Megan Kannemeyer (centre), DHL Western Province
Unathi Mali (utility back), Border
Vuyolwethu Maqholo (flyhalf), DHL Western Province
Bianca Meyer (utility back), Blue Bulls
Zinhle Ndawonde (centre), KZN
Aphiwe Ngwevu (centre), Border
Fundi Plaatjies (scrumhalf), Border
Snenhlanhla Shozi (fullback), Border
