The Blue Bulls Women’s team will go out in search of a third successive victory in the SA Rugby Women’s Premier Division when they face the Cell C Sharks Women at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The side from Tshwane is still high in confidence after claiming victories in both their opening matches of the season so far, with the most recent being a hard-fought 17-15 win over the Eastern Province Queens last weekend. The result assisted the ladies in blue to retain a spot in the top three positions of the log.
On the other hand, the visiting side from Durban will be hoping for a victory that will keep them in contention for a top four log spot. The coastal team is on the back of a 39-0 defeat to defending champions Border Women in last weekend’s action.
Blue Bulls Women’s scrumhalf, Rumandi Potgieter, who will provide cover from the bench this weekend, indicated that the side will not be taking their opponents lightly while they will be hoping to continue to improve their performance as well.
“We have a never-say-die attitude on defence and that is massive for us. We often found ourselves in difficult situations on the field, but due to our high work rate on defence, we manage to get out of those again,” explained Potgieter.
“We had various defensive sessions before the competition and had discussions as well on how we needed to improve from last year’s defensive effort, and that is bearing fruit for us.
“The Cell C Sharks have strong ball carriers up front and they are competing in every set piece, so that is something we need to be aware of. The tempo is definitely picking up in the tournament and that makes it very competitive. It is a big year for women’s rugby in the country and this tournament is laying a good foundation, no doubt.”
The match will kick-off at 14h20 and play as a precursor match for the Carling Currie Cup derby between the Vodacom Bulls and Sigma Lions.
The match will be streamed live on https://www.springboks.rugby/
The Blue Bulls Women’s team is:
STARTERS (15-1): Zintle Nonkasana, Nolwazi Hlabangane, Kirsten Eastes, Shiniqwa Lamprecht, Chantel Dikgale, Elizabeth Jansen van Rensburg, Mahlatse Nkumishe; Vuyolwethu Vazi, Thandeka Shongwe, Kyla de Vries, Anathi Qolo, Sophy Mashapa, Dineo Mokoena, Thantaswa Macingwane, Tyler-Jane Coleman.
IMPACT (16-23): Zandile Khumalo, Doreen Mkhabela, Lebogang Ralebona, Corlia Walker, Nthabiseng Marutla, Rumandi Potgieter, Mekyla Bennett, Nthabiseng Ncalare.
