Springbok Women's skipper Booi set for milestone 50th match against Spain

JOHANNESBURG - Springbok Women’s captain Nolusindiso Booi will make history on Saturday when she becomes the country's first female rugby player to represent the national team in 50 Test matches.

The South African team will play Spain in their first international fixture of the year at Campo de Rugby Amorós Palao in Elche on Saturday. The match forms part of their preparations for the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, which is now only 129 days away. 

Booi will reach her remarkable milestone 15 years after she made her debut against Kazakhstan in 2010. She was selected to lead the side once again as coach Swys de Bruin named an experienced squad for the encounter and included uncapped scrumhalf Alicia Willemse on the bench.

De Bruin heaped praise on Booi for her tireless dedication and outstanding service to the team and hailed her contribution to women’s rugby.

"This is such a fantastic achievement for Nolusindiso. She has been such a fantastic leader for this team and is a real warrior on the field for so many seasons. We all appreciate the significance of reaching 50 caps. I almost want to compare it to 100 caps in the men’s game, given the small number of Tests our women play in a season," said De Bruin.

Springbok Womens team to face Spain:

15. Nadine Roos 
14. Jakkie Cilliers 
13. Chumisa Qawe (vice-captain) 
12. Aphiwe Ngwevu 
11. Ayanda Malinga 
10. Libbie Janse Rensburg 
9. Tayla Kinsey 
8. Aseza Hele 
7. Sinazo Mcatshulwa 
6. Sizophila Solontsi 
5. Anathi Qolo 
4. Nolusindiso Booi (captain) 
3. Babalwa Latsha 
2. Lindelwa Gwala 
1. Sanelisiwe Charlie 

Replacements:

16. Luchell Hanekom 
17. Yonela Ngxingolo 
18. Azisa Mkiva 
19. Danelle Lochner
20. Catha Jacobs 
21. Alica Willemse 
22. Eloise Webb 
23. Byrhandre Dolf