Springbok Women Sevens: Sao Paulo Schedule & World Championship Qualification
Springbok Women Aim to Build Momentum Ahead of World Championship Series
SAO PAULO, Brazil – – The South African Women’s Sevens team arrives in São Paulo with a renewed sense of confidence and focus as they prepare for the final leg of the HSBC SVNS 2 series. Having already secured their qualification for the HSBC World Rugby Championship Series, the Springbok Women are looking to refine their game and build momentum heading into the postseason.
The team’s preparation for this weekend’s tournament has been significantly smoother than their experience in Montevideo, where travel delays impacted their performance. Playmaker Byrhandré Dolf highlighted the difference, stating the team settled in São Paulo on , allowing ample time for analysis and training. This contrasts sharply with the previous week’s rushed arrival, which contributed to a slow start against Spain.
“We had much more time to do analysis of last weekend’s games and to iron out small gremlins on the training field, something we certainly did not have time for last week,” Dolf explained. “Each player had a decent seem at their individual performances and how the team functioned under pressure, and that made it much easier going into this weekend. We could also get a good look at our opponents and will be ready for what they bring.”
The Springbok Women suffered a narrow 15-14 defeat to Spain in Montevideo, conceding three tries in the opening seven minutes before mounting a second-half comeback. Dolf is optimistic about a stronger start against the same opponent on .
World Championship Qualification Provides Freedom
Securing a spot in the HSBC World Rugby Championship Series has lifted a significant weight off the team’s shoulders. Dolf emphasized the positive impact of knowing their fate is sealed. “We are stress-free now. we recognize where we are heading and that was what we worked for,” she said. “You can also use this weekend to prepare ourselves for the World Championship, where the standards will be higher. Another tournament under the belt also means we will be better as a squad and more cohesive in our performance.”
The team views the São Paulo leg as an opportunity to fine-tune their game and prepare for the increased competition of the World Championship Series, which will be held in Hong Kong, Valladolid, and Bordeaux. Dolf is focused on reaching their full potential. “For me, the motivation this weekend will be to play at the standards we know we are capable of. Much of that will approach from Dolf’s guidance, especially on attack.”
However, the team will be without their leading endeavor-scorer, Maria Tshiremba, who has been rested due to a minor injury.
Squad and Fixtures
The Springbok Women’s Sevens squad for the São Paulo tournament is as follows:
- #2 Asisipho Plaatjies
- #3 Patience Mokone
- #9 Nadine Roos (captain)
- #10 Byrhandré Dolf
- #12 Liske Lategan
- #14 Simamkele Namba
- #16 Shiniqwa Lamprecht
- #19 Shanidiné Bezuidenhout
- #20 Catha Jacobs
- #23 Ayanda Malinga
- #26 Lerato Makua
- #27 Maceala Samboya (uncapped)
- #28 Shannon-Lee Windvogel
The team’s fixtures for the weekend are:
- Saturday,
- 16:06: vs. Spain
- 19:18: vs. Kenya
- 22:49: vs. Brazil
- Sunday,
- 17:28: vs. Argentina
- 20:18: vs. China
(All times are SA times and matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport.)
HSBC SVNS 2 Standings
As the tournament begins, the HSBC SVNS 2 standings are:
- Argentina – 40 points
- South Africa – 34
- Spain – 34
- China – 28
- Brazil – 22
- Kenya – 22
With Argentina leading the standings, the competition for the remaining qualification spots is fierce. South Africa, currently in second place, will be looking to solidify their position and gain valuable experience before the World Championship Series. The matches in São Paulo promise to be highly competitive, as teams battle for pride and preparation for the challenges ahead.