Shaunique Alexander and Zethu Gcaza Set for Springbok Women Debuts Against Uganda
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Shaunique Alexander and Zethu Gcaza Set for Springbok Women Debuts Against Uganda

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The Springbok Women have named three uncapped players in their matchday squad and opted for a six-two bench split as they face Uganda in the second round of the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup at the RFUEA Ground in Nairobi, Kenya on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.

Shaunique Alexander and Zethu Gcaza will earn their maiden Test caps, while Abigail Smit is in line to make her international debut off the bench.

The trio will complete the new-cap tally for the nine uncapped players who left South Africa a week ago, with all six who made their debuts against Madagascar involved in the second match of the tournament as well.

Seven players who started in round one were retained in the starting team, with captain Anathi Qolo moving from lock to flanker for this encounter, where she replaces Sinelitha Noxeke.

Alexander comes in on the wing in place of Nomawethu Mabenge for her first senior appearance in the green and gold, having represented the Junior Springbok Women three years ago at Under-20 level.

Smit will be part of a six-forward bench providing fresh legs during the match.

The other changes are all rotational. At fullback, Thamie Yeko will earn a first start, with Chuma Qawe coming off the bench, while the two scrumhalves also swop jerseys. Insaaf Levy will start after making her debut as a replacement last week, with Anacadia Minnaar doubling up as back-up flyhalf due to the six forwards selected.

The front rows will also alternate, with Yonela Ngxingolo, Roseline Botes and Thandile Mazwi earning starts, and Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Anushka Groenewald and Nombuyekezo Mdliki providing impact.

Springbok Women assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt said the team selection was made easy by the potential of the debutants and the versatility of those on the bench.

“We were really pleased with the contributions from our debutants in the match against Madagascar and hope to see the same from these three. Shaunique is a dangerous runner with good speed and an awareness of the game, so we are all excited to see her go.”

Springbok Women Assistant Coach, Laurian Johannes-Haupt

“Abigail and Zethu are still Under-20, so for them to be playing at this level tells you a lot about their potential and where they can go. We are excited to see what they can bring to our system, and their selection is also a complement to our pathway structures.”

Johannes-Haupt expects the bench to deliver the needed momentum when called upon.

“The nice thing in our team is the versatility of our forwards, which allows us the six-two split. Some of them can play in the backs when needed and that makes that call much easier. We had good impact from our bench in the previous game and expect the same tomorrow.”

Johannes-Haupt insisted they will not underestimate their opponents, who were beaten 43-10 by Kenya in their opening match on Saturday.

“We had a good look at Uganda, and it is clear they are not the Uganda of old,” she said. “They are well coached and sharpened up their breakdown very well, not allowing their opponents to get in there.

“They are looking after their own ball well and on attack, and they do not mind kicking into open spaces to make their opponents turn around. For us, our own game plan remains the most important goal for this match, and we want to take another step forward in our journey for this year.”

Springbok Women Results and Fixtures at the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup at the RFUEA Ground in Nairobi, Kenya from 23 May to 31 May 2026 (All times CAT)

Sat 23 May, 13h00: South Africa 64-5 Madagascar
Wed 27 May, 13h00: South Africa v Uganda
Sun 31 May, 15h00: South Africa v Kenya

Head-to-Head: Springbok Women vs Uganda 

7 September 2013: South Africa won 63-3, East London
9 August 2019: South Africa won 89-5, Brakpan
7 June 2025: South Africa won 62-7, Antananarivo

Springbok Women Starting XV and Bench v Uganda

1. Yonela Ngxingolo (Isuzu Bulls Daisies), 40 caps, 20 points (4 tries)
2. Roseline Botes (DHL Western Province), 25 caps, 40 points (8 tries)
3. Thandile Mazwi (DHL Western Province), 1 cap, 0 points
4. Zethu Gcaza (Border Ladies), uncapped
5. Nomsa Mokwai (DHL Western Province), 14 caps, 0 points
6. Ntsako Mbombi (Golden Lions Women), 1 cap, 0 points
7. Anathi Qolo (captain, Isuzu Bulls Daisies), 12 caps, 5 points (1 try)
8. Logan Welman (DHL Western Province), 1 cap, 5 points (1 try)
9. Insaaf Levy (DHL Western Province), 1 cap, 0 points
10. Mary Zulu (Sharks Women), 16 caps, 45 points (1 try, 20 conversions)
11. Shaunique Alexander (Isuzu Bulls Daisies), uncapped
12. Naima Hlatshwayo (Isuzu Bulls Daisies), 1 cap, 0 points
13. Jakkie Cilliers (vice-captain, Isuzu Bulls Daisies), 22 caps, 124 points (10 tries, 30 conversions, 4 penalty goals)
14. Alichia Arries (DHL Western Province), 3 caps, 5 points (1 try)
15. Thamie Yeko (EP Queens), 1 cap, 5 points (1 try)

Replacements

16.Anushka Groenewald (DHL Western Province), 4 caps, 0 points
17. Xoliswa Khuzwayo (Golden Lions Women), 10 caps, 0 points
18. Nombuyekezo Mdliki (Border Ladies), 10 caps, 5 points (1 try)
19. Abigail Smit (DHL Western Province), uncapped
20. Nobuhle Mjwara (Sharks Women), 4 caps, 5 points (1 try)
21. Faith Tshauke (Isuzu Bulls Daisies), 5 caps, 20 points (4 tries)
22. Anacadia Minnaar (EP Queens), 3 caps, 3 points (1 penalty goal)
23. Chuma Qawe (Isuzu Bulls Daisies), 15 caps, 7 points (1 try, 1 conversion)

Original Copy: SA Rugby Communications, with editing by gsport

Main Photo Caption: The Springbok Women head into the second round of their 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup title defence against Uganda at the RFUEA Ground in Nairobi, Kenya, with captain Anathi Qolo shifting to flanker and three more uncapped players in the matchday squad. Photo: Gallo Images / SA Rugby

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