Springbok Women Reshuffle Team for Final Test of 2026 as Sanelisiwe Charlie Suffers Injury

The Springbok Women have made several changes to their starting line-up ahead of their final Test of 2026 against Ireland at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday, following an injury setback involving experienced prop Sanelisiwe Charlie.

Charlie has been ruled out after sustaining a serious knee injury during training this week, forcing co-coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September to adjust their forward pack as the team prepares for the second meeting against Ireland in the WXV Global Series.

Yonela Ngxingolo will replace Charlie in the starting front row after making her 50th Test appearance off the bench in last weekend’s encounter. Anuschka Ekron has also been included among the replacements as cover at loosehead prop.

There will be another change at hooker, with Lindelwa Gwala moving into the starting XV while Anushka Groenewald drops to the bench. Danelle Lochner will partner Vainah Ubisi in the second row, while Catha Jacobs moves from lock to flank. Lerato Makua will provide cover from the replacements bench.

In another adjustment to the pack, Nomsa Mokwai has been included among the replacements in place of Logan Welman.

The backline has also undergone changes, with Byrhandré Dolf moving from flyhalf to fullback to accommodate Mary Zulu, who has been promoted into the starting number 10 position.

Jakkie Cilliers will move from fullback to right wing, while Alichia Arries switches to the left wing. Maria Tshiremba, who will provide additional attacking options, has been named among the replacements.

Johannes-Haupt explained that Charlie’s injury was the only forced change, with the remaining adjustments forming part of the coaching team’s planned rotation following lessons from the previous encounter.

She also expressed confidence that the revised selection would give South Africa a better opportunity to challenge Ireland.

The Springbok Women will be seeking a strong response after suffering a 40-27 defeat in the first meeting last weekend. The coaches are determined to finish the season with a positive performance in front of their home supporters.

Johannes-Haupt said the team was not travelling to Athlone with the intention of losing and described the occasion as an opportunity to reward the passionate supporters who have backed the women’s side throughout the year.

The match kicks off at 15:00 on Saturday, October 31, at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.

Byrhandré Dolf, Jakkie Cilliers, Maceala Samboya, Shiniqwa Lamprecht, Alichia Arries, Mary Zulu, Unam Tose, Aseza Hele, Catha Jacobs, Sizophila Solontsi (captain), Danelle Lochner, Vainah Ubisi, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Lindelwa Gwala and Yonela Ngxingolo.

Replacements: Anushka Groenewald, Anuschka Ekron, Thandile Mazwi, Nomsa Mokwai, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Lerato Makua, Insaaf Levy and Maria Tshiremba.

The encounter represents the Springbok Women’s final international assignment of 2026, giving the team an opportunity to close the year with a memorable performance against one of the leading sides in women’s rugby.

Bestnews24/7 feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com