Springbok Women prepare for challenging match against Kenya

THE Springbok Women coaches have trusted in the team that beat Uganda in their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup opener, to continue in the same vein against Kenya at Stade Makis in Antananarivo today (12pm kick-off).

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

The only change from the team that beat Uganda 62-7 is on the bench, where Nompumelelo Mathe will add impact as a loose-forward, with wing Nomawethu Mabenge missing out.

The vote of confidence in the side that scored 10 tries in their opening round victory will be a boost. The extra player in the pack, an indication that the team will not deviate from their forward-based game against Kenya, who opened their campaign with a good 28-5 win over Madagascar.

It is also a sign of the physical challenge that the Bok Women, led by lock Anathi Qolo, expect from Kenya. “We targeted a strong start in the first match and got that, so now the focus moves to the next one, against Kenya,” September said, after the opening round win. “They scored a good win over Madagascar and are a physical side, so we will now get ready for that challenge on Wednesday.”