Springbok Women Make Key Changes for Wales Clash As Tshiremba, Jacobs and Welman Start

• The Springbok Women have made several changes to their starting XV as they prepare for their opening WXV Global Series match against Wales in Cardiff
• Maria Tshiremba and Felicia Jacobs return to the starting line-up, while Logan Welman gets the chance to make her mark in a reshuffled Springbok Women side
• Babalwa Latsha will captain an experienced team as South Africa begin their latest international campaign with a physical contest against Wales

The Springbok Women have made several changes to their starting XV for their opening WXV Global Series clash against Wales, with Maria Tshiremba, Felicia Jacobs and Logan Welman all named in the starting team.

The WXV Global Series is part of the international women's rugby calendar, giving national teams additional high-level Test opportunities. South Africa will begin their campaign against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday, 18 September 2026.

The Springbok Women have made several changes to their starting XV for Friday’s WXV Global Series opener against Wales, with Maria Tshiremba, Felicia Jacobs and Logan Welman among those moving into starting roles.

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According to SA Rugby, the match at Cardiff Arms Park on 18 September will feature a reshuffled backline and one alteration to the pack that faced New Zealand earlier this month.

Tshiremba returns to the starting line-up after missing the 52-20 defeat to the Black Ferns on 5 September. She made her Test debut against Fiji last month and scored a hat-trick.

Jacobs also comes into the starting XV, while Maceala Samboya retains the outside-centre position after replacing the injured Zintle Mpupha against New Zealand.

Logan Welman gets No 8 opportunity

Welman will start at No 8, swapping positions with Aseza Hele, who moves to the replacements. Springbok Women co-coach Franzel September said the changes were part of a deliberate approach to expanding the squad.

“We are well underway towards the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup, not only in our planning, but also giving players experience at the highest level,” September said.

He added that the WXV Global Series would provide opportunities for players who have recently featured from the bench.

The Springbok Women scored four tries against the Black Ferns despite eventually losing 52-20.

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Latsha leads experienced Springbok Women side

Babalwa Latsha will captain the team, while Libbie Janse van Rensburg serves as vice-captain. Janse van Rensburg enters the match with 221 Test points and could add to that tally. Lindelwa Gwala, meanwhile, is the squad's most-capped hooker.

September expects a physical contest up front.

“It will be huge in the set phases, as both of us are strong in that department,” he said.

Kick-off is scheduled for 20:15 South African time on Friday.

The match is South Africa’s opening fixture of the WXV Global Series, with Wales having confirmed Cardiff Arms Park as the venue.

The changes give several Springbok Women players an opportunity to establish themselves in the starting XV while the coaching staff continues developing depth ahead of the next World Cup cycle.

Full Springbok Women squad to face Wales

Starting XV

• 1. Byrhandré Dolf
• 1. Maria Tshiremba
• 1. Maceala Samboya
• 1. Aphiwe Ngwevu
• 1. Ayanda Malinga
• 1. Libbie Janse van Rensburg
• 1. Felicia Jacobs
• 1. Logan Welman
• 1. Catha Jacobs
• 1. Sizophila Solontsi
• 1. Danelle Lochner
• 1. Vainah Ubisi
• 1. Babalwa Latsha (captain)
• 1. Lindelwa Gwala
• 1. Sanelisiwe Charlie

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Replacements

• 1. Micke Gunter
• 1. Xoliswa Khuzwayo
• 1. Nombuyekezo Mdliki
• 1. Nomsa Mokwai
• 1. Aseza Hele
• 1. Sinelitha Noxeke
• 1. Jakkie Cilliers
• 1. Patience Mokone

Swys de Bruin’s Springbok Women exit explained

Briefly News previously reported that Swys de Bruin broke his silence after resigning as Springbok Women head coach.

His departure came after a significant period for the Springbok Women, including their historic run to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Source: Briefly News