Springbok Women Make 3 Changes for Spain Test in Seville As Babalwa Latsha Returns
- The Springbok Women have made an interesting selection call ahead of their final European Test, with changes expected to add a fresh dimension to the side
- The Bok Women are preparing for a different challenge in Spain after producing an important result in their previous match on the European tour
- There is a notable change to the match-day squad, with the coaching staff using the final tour fixture to give more players an opportunity to make their mark
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Babalwa Latsha will return as captain when the Springbok Women face Spain in Seville on Sunday, with the coaching staff making three changes to the starting XV for their final European Test of the 2026 WXV Global Series tour.
The tighthead prop comes back into the starting side after being used differently in the previous match, while Xoliswa Khuzwayo and Patience Mokone have also been handed starting opportunities.
Latsha returns to lead the Bok Women
Latsha replaces Nombuyekezo Mdliki in the starting line-up, with Mdliki moving to the replacements. Khuzwayo comes into the front row, while Mokone replaces Maria Tshiremba on the left wing.
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The changes follow the Springbok Women’s victory over Italy and form part of an effort to give more players valuable Test exposure.
Co-coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt explained the thinking behind the selection.
“With this being the final leg of our tour, it was another opportunity for us to freshen up our match-day squad before we head into the last two matches against Ireland in Cape Town,” Johannes-Haupt said, according to SA Rugby.
Mary Zulu included after injury call-up
Mary Zulu is among the replacements after joining the squad earlier in the week as cover for the injured Libbie Janse van Rensburg. Johannes-Haupt said Zulu’s recent experience with the South Africa A side had helped her settle back into the senior squad.
“We are also happy to have Mary back,” she said, adding that her return demonstrated the value of the team’s academy pathway.
The coaches expect Spain to offer a different challenge, particularly with their pace and attacking play through the backs. The Springbok Women, meanwhile, will look to build on the momentum from their Italy win.
Source: UGC
Spain Test details
The Test takes place in Seville on Sunday, 4 October 2026, kicking off at 12:00 South African time. It will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
The selection means Latsha will earn her 46th Test cap, while Yonela Ngxingolo is set to reach 49 appearances from the bench.
The match is another opportunity for the coaching staff to build squad depth before the Springbok Women return to South Africa for their two Tests against Ireland in Cape Town.
Springbok Women dealt injury blow before Spain Test
Briefly News previously reported that the Springbok Women suffered a double injury setback before their Spain clash, with Libbie Janse van Rensburg and Ayanda Malinga both ruled out.
Mary Zulu was subsequently called up to provide cover, adding another layer to the selection picture as South Africa prepared for the final match of the European tour.
The latest team announcement has now clarified how the coaching staff have responded to those challenges.
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Source: Briefly News
