Springbok Women Squad Announced for Historic Black Ferns Test
South Africa faces New Zealand in women’s rugby on home soil for the first time.
The Full Story
The Springbok Women have named a 32-player squad ahead of their eagerly anticipated Test against the New Zealand Black Ferns on Saturday, 5 September. This historic encounter will be the first time the Springbok Women face New Zealand on home soil, making it a significant event for the team and its supporters. Captain Babalwa Latsha leads a squad that features half of the players who were part of last year’s 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals, where they suffered a heavy defeat to the Black Ferns, losing 46-17.
In preparation for this high-stakes match, the Springbok Women have gathered in Sandton, and the final matchday 23 will be confirmed soon. Latsha, who scored the opening try in last year's World Cup match, has expressed the team’s determination to put things right this time around. “A lot has happened since, but it still feels fresh in the memory, playing New Zealand in what was such a huge occasion for us.
Most of us in camp were involved in that match, so everyone is ready to have another go,” she stated. The squad includes experienced players like Apihwe Ngwevu and Byrhandré Dolf, although they will miss several stars due to injuries, such as Nadine Roos and Sinazo Mcatshulwa. The Springbok Women will kick off the match at 13:30 on 5 September, right before the showdown between the Springboks and All Blacks, creating a thrilling double-header at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
As these players gear up for the challenge, many fans are hopeful for a turnaround in fortunes against formidable opponents that have dominated women’s rugby. This match not only promises to be a captivating display of talent but also serves as an emotional opportunity for redemption, allowing the Springbok Women to demonstrate their growth and resilience in the sport against a highly esteemed rival like New Zealand. The stakes have never been higher, and fans eagerly await the kickoff in Johannesburg this weekend, supporting the squad in their quest for victory and in setting a new precedent for South African women's rugby on home soil. The match presents an opportunity for long-overdue recognition and respect for the women's game, striving to inspire the next generation of athletes in South Africa.
All eyes will be on the field as they aim to capture the spirit and pride of the Springbok jersey once again when they face the Black Ferns this weekend, hoping for more success than the year prior, and a demonstration of their dedication to the game and their country at large. With anticipation building, the Springbok Women’s match promises not only fierce competition but a chance for history in South African rugby, setting the stage for a significant legacy in women’s sports as they strive to rewrite narratives and establish themselves at the forefront of rugby in the nation and beyond. The Springbok Women's journey continues as they look to build on their past experiences, with the match against the Black Ferns marking a critical step forward in their campaign for excellence in rugby. Fans and supporters are invited to rally behind the team as they gear up for a match aimed not only at scoring tries but at redefining the future of women's rugby in South Africa.
Why It Matters
This match represents a pivotal moment for women's rugby in South Africa, offering a chance for the Springbok Women to prove themselves on home soil and inspire future generations of athletes. A victory could shift public perception and support for women's rugby in the nation.
What's Next
The final matchday squad will be confirmed on Thursday, 3 September, ahead of the historic clash at the FNB Stadium. Fans can expect an exciting build-up as the Springbok Women prepare to take the field for a momentous occasion against the Black Ferns.