The South African Women’s Sevens team shows two changes to the squad of 12 players for Round Two of the Women’s Sevens World Series, which takes place in Houston, Texas in the United States on February 1-2.
Last month, the SA Women’s team finished as runners-up to New Zealand, who won the inaugural Women’s Series tournament in Dubai.
Border’s Sinazo Nobele, who plays in the front row, has recovered from the shoulder injury that prevented her from travelling to Dubai and was included in place of Rachelle Geldenhuys (Golden Lions).
Zaandre Theron, the Western Province outside back, replaces her provincial teammate Zimkitha Tsilana.
The 12-player squad and management assembled in Johannesburg earlier on Thursday, where the team will train before their departure on Saturday to the United States.
South Africa’s pool opponents in Houston are hosts USA, Argentina and Canada.
Denver Wannies, the SA Sevens Women’s coach, said their main focus in Houston will be to build on the momentum from their good showing in Dubai.
“We were somewhat of a surprise package in Dubai and the reality is that other teams now know a lot more about us,” said Wannies.
“Our approach will be to stick to the basics, refine our game plan and to gain as much experience as we can.”
Border captain Mandisa Williams will again lead the side.
The SA Sevens Women squad to play in Houston:
1. Yolanda Meiring (Blue Bulls)
2. Mandisa Williams (Border – captain)
3. Nwabisa Ngxatu (Border)
4. Sinazo Nobele (Border)
5. Nosiphiwo Goda (Border)
6. Fundiswa Plaatjie (Border)
7. Zenay Jordaan (Eastern Province)
8. Phumeza Gadu (Eastern Province)
9. Natasha Hofmeester (Western Province)
10. Belle Makwezele (Western Province)
11. Zaandre Theron (Western Province)
12. Mathrin Simmers (Southwestern Districts)
IRB Women’s Sevens World Series 2012/2013:
Round One – UAE: Dubai, November 30 to December 1, 2012 (Winners – NZ; runners-up – SA)
Round Two – USA: Houston, Texas, February 1-2, 2013 (BBVA Compass Stadium)
Round Three – China: Guangzhou, March 30-31, 2013 (Guangzhou University Town Stadium)
Round Four – Netherlands: Amsterdam, May 17-18, 2013 (NRCA Stadium)
Standings after Round One:
1. New Zealand 20 points
2. South Africa 18
3. Spain 16
4. Australia 14
5. Russia 12
