There was relief but also pride that the Springbok Women executed their mandate in Madagascar at the 2025 Rugby Africa Women's Cup, returning home victorious after wins over Uganda, Kenya and Madagascar, resulting in another continental title and trophy for the South Africans.
Former Junior Springbok Women’s captain Leigh Fortuin and flanker Nobuhle Mjwara will earn their first starts for South Africa in the final match of the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 2025 against Madagascar at Stade Makis in Antananarivo on Sunday.
The Springbok Women left Stade Makis in Antananarivo with smiles on their faces, knowing that much was gained from their gutsy victory over Kenya in the second round of the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Madagascar.
The Springbok Women coaches have named an unchanged starting team from their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup opener for their round two clash against Kenya at Stade Makis in Antananarivo on Wednesday.
The Springbok Women started the defence of the Rugby Africa Women's Cup the way the coaching staff hoped they would, scoring heaps of tries while a number of new caps could also get a taste of Test match rugby.
Anathi Qolo will captain a Springbok Women side with a combined 174 caps in their 2025 Rugby Africa Women's Cup opener against Uganda in Antananarivo on Saturday, with three uncapped players – Patience Mokone, Faith Tshauke and Anushka Groenewald – included in the starting team for the Test at Stade Makis.
At the age of 22, life was good for Lerato Makua. In 2023, she had established herself in the Springbok Women squad, playing in 10 Tests and two friendlies and representing South Africa in Wales, England, Japan, New Zealand and Madagascar, and later France.
The last time Zenay Jordaan left the pitch at the Rugby World Cup, she was carried off shoulder high by her Springbok Women teammates and England opponents, but she will return later this year, albeit in a new capacity.
The Springbok Women concluded a very productive two-week camp in Stellenbosch on Friday, with the coaching staff pleased by the effort from the players.
Anathi Qolo will lead the Springbok Women to Madagascar, where they will defend their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup title next month against Uganda, Kenya and Madagascar.