Booi to captain Springbok Women against Canada

NOLUSINDISO Booi will lead the Springbok Women in her 51st cap when they take on second-ranked Canada on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria in one of their toughest World Cup preparation matches to date.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

The Bok Women selected a core of experienced players for the first of two Tests as they look to up the intensity ahead of the tournament starting next month in England.

Only five players in the starting XV have less than 20 caps, but they are all in the double figures as performance coach Swys de Bruin and his assistants look to lay a strong marker at Loftus Versfeld (1.30 pm kickoff).

Eight players have experience against Canada, with scrumhalf Tayla Kinsey, tighthead prop Babalwa Latsha, Booi, winger Jakkie Cilliers, flyhalf Libbie Janse van Rensburg, No 8 Aseza Hele, lock Danelle Lochner and loose-head Sanelisiwe Charlie.

Outside centre Zinthle Mphupa, the team’s leading try scorer, and hooker Micke Gunter will start for the team for the first time this year.