Springbok Women Gear up for Black Ferns clash in Cape Town

The Springbok Women have named a full-strength 32-player squad to face the Black Ferns XV in back-to-back fixtures that mark their final dress rehearsal before the 2025 Rugby World Cup kicks off in England next month.

Cape Town Hosts Final Test of Bok Mettle

Athlone Stadium will be the stage for both encounters, scheduled for Friday 26 July and Friday 2 August, with kick-off at 5pm. These matches are more than just friendlies — they’re a high-stakes audition for players on the cusp of World Cup selection, and a critical gauge of South Africa’s readiness against one of the most dangerous rugby nations in the world.

Welcome Back, Vainah

Perhaps the most exciting inclusion in the squad is the return of Vainah Ubisi, who hasn’t featured for the national team this year due to a lengthy recovery from knee surgery. With 18 caps under her belt, the powerful lock brings experience, grit, and a renewed hunger to earn her spot on the World Cup roster.

Performance coach Swys de Bruin praised the medical team who helped get her back on the pitch, calling her “one of the best in her position in the game.”

Six Reinforcements Bolster Bok Depth

Ubisi isn’t the only fresh face. Five others have rejoined the group after previous stints with the team, including Mary Zulu, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Anathi Qolo, Faith Tshauke and Maceala Samboya. All six were part of earlier tours or competitions, meaning they’re already familiar with the structures and playbook.

De Bruin emphasized that this is not a time for basic drills but a chance to fine-tune strategy and cohesion: “We are very close to our final World Cup squad. These players have been here before, so we’ll be going full speed from Monday’s first training session.”

Why the Black Ferns XV matters

Although the Black Ferns XV is not New Zealand’s top-tier national side, it’s packed with Super Rugby Aupiki stars, emerging talent, and fringe Black Ferns players still in contention for World Cup inclusion. That makes them a formidable test — and exactly the kind of opponent the Springbok Women need to face right now.

“We need to be tested in all areas of our game,” said De Bruin. “Canada gave us some clarity, but the Black Ferns XV will stretch us even further. That’s what we need before England.”

A Growing Moment for Women’s Rugby

These matches are more than just preparation — they’re a statement. With women’s rugby rapidly gaining momentum in South Africa, from grassroots levels to televised Test matches, fixtures like these are proof that the Bok Women are being taken seriously on the global stage.

Social media has already begun buzzing with support, with fans praising Ubisi’s comeback and calling the squad one of the strongest South Africa has ever assembled.

As the countdown to the World Cup continues, all eyes will be on Cape Town. This is more than a warm-up — it’s a glimpse of what this Springbok Women’s team is capable of when the stakes are high.

Source:Sabc Sport

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