The Springbok Women will field an experienced match 23 in their opening Women’s World Cup match against Brazil at Franklin’s Garden on Sunday.

Only four players in the starting XV – Byrhandré Dolf, Maceala Samboya, Ayanda Malinga and Danelle Lochner – have yet to feature at a World Cup, while just two of the replacements are uncapped at the tournament.

Captain Nolusindiso “Cindy” Booi will extend her record to 53 caps as she leads the side in her fourth World Cup.

Coach Swys de Bruin said the experienced core had been chosen not just for their pedigree, but for form and combinations.

“Yes, we have good experience in the squad, but we also selected based on form and the way we need to play to be successful,” he explained. “Brazil may be the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, but they will come with all guns blazing. We need a strong start and to build from there.”

Booi emphasised sticking to structure against a Brazilian side boosted by several sevens stars.

“The last thing we can afford is going away from our strengths and focus,” she said. “They’ll want an unstructured game, but we must stay measured, play as a unit and execute when chances come.”

Kick-off on Sunday is at 3pm (SA time).

SPRINGBOK WOMEN – 15 Byrhandré Dolf, 14 Maceala Samboya, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 11 Ayanda Malinga, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Nadine Roos, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Danelle Lochner, 4 Nolusindiso Booi (c), 3 Babalwa Latsha (vc), 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie.
Bench: 16 Micke Gunter, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Vainah Ubisi, 20 Lerato Makua, 21 Catha Jacobs, 22 Unam Tose, 23 Jakkie Cilliers.

Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images