Bulls Daisies mentor Hayden Groepes has shuffled his side ahead of their 2025 SA Rugby Women’s Premier Division league third-round clash against second-on-the-table Sanlam Boland Dames.
The top-of-the-table clash takes place on Saturday, 08 February at the Boland Rugby Stadium in Wellington. Kick-off is set for 12h30, and the winner will take home more than just points on the board, with a points difference the true advantage that either of the sides will be playing for. This season’s competition is a single round and that means the stakes of hosting a home knockout game are raised even higher.
Springbok duo Sanelisiwe Charlie and club skipper Lusanda Dumke both miss out due to injury and illness whilst speed-queen Maria Tshiremba comes in for Ayanda Malinga who shifts to the impact squad. The experienced Libbie Janse van Rensburg comes into the fold, joined by Zintle Nonkasana, who is in the matchday 23 in place of Shaunique Alexander.
The absence of Charlie and Dumke has necessitated a shuffle within the forwards pack, which sees Yonela Ngxingolo, Micke Gunter and Xolelwa Diliza lining up at front row. Behind them is the lock pairing of Ziyanda Ngohlekana and Anathi Qolo.
Sizophila ‘The Bulldozer’ Solontsi shifts to loose forward alongside Faith Tshauke with Sophy Mashapa starting at eight where Solontsi was a week ago.
At the back, the Qawe sisters are the two notable absentees this weekend.
Elsewhere, Unam Tose starts again at scrumhalf with utility back Byrhandre Dolf at flyhalf. Behind the halfback duo are Tshiremba, who will get her first run of the season at left wing. Patience Mokone on the rugby hand side of the park. Janse van Rensburg will run at fullback.
Resourceful utility back Jakkie Cilliers serves at centre alongside fellow Springbok teammate and matchday skipper Zintle Mpupha at inside and outside centre, respectively.
Groepes has continued with the preferred five-three split impact squad that features Karabo Lebotsa, Doreen Mkhabele, Rachelle du Plessis, Busisiwe Crafford, Dineo Ndhlovu, Camelitha Malone, Zintle Nonkasana and Ayanda Malinga.
BULLS DAISIES vs SANLAM BOLAND DAISIES STARTING XV: 1. Yonela Ngxingolo, 2. Micke Gunter, 3. Xolelwa Diliza, 4. Ziyanda Ngohlekana, 5. Anathi Qolo, 6. Sizophila Solontsi, 7. Ntsako Tshauke, 8. Sophy Mashapa, 9. Unam Tose, 10. Byrhandre Dolf (vc), 11. Maria Tshiremba, 12. Zintle Mpupha (c), 13. Jakkie Cilliers, 14. Patience Mokone, 15. Libbie Janse van Rensburg
BULLS DAISIES IMPACT SQUAD: 16. Karabo Lebotsa, 17. Doreen Mkhabele, 18. Rachelle du Plessis, 19. Busisiwe Crafford, 20. Dineo Ndhlovu, 21. Camelitha Malone, 22. Zintle Nonkasana, 23. Ayanda Malinga
BULLS DAISIES MANAGEMENT: Hayden Groepes – Head Coach, Bongiwe Nhleko – Assistant Coach, Zenay Jordaan – Assistant Coach, Nokuthula Nene – Technical Analyst, Dr. Sbu Ntuli – Team Doctor, Lenel Bellingan & Monyaduwe Motsele – Physiotherapists, Owethu Sityata – Strength & Conditioning, Luyolo Tandani – Logistics Manager, Obriel Maposa – Social Media Officer, Akusenani Khumalo – Team Manager
