Women's Sevens squad named
Springbok Women's Sevens coach Renfred Dazel on Friday named his 12-member squad for the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) Women's Sevens tournament in Kenya next week.
The team will defend the title they won in Tunisia last year.
The squad features only one change from the group that finished third at the Hong Kong Invitational last week, with speedster Phumeza Gadu ruled out due to a knee injury.
Rachelle Geldenhuys, who made her Springbok Women's Sevens debut in the Dubai IRB World Series in 2012 was included in the squad as Gadu's replacement.
Nosiphiwo Goda (lower back spasm) and Veroeshka Grain (groin) were also nursing injuries this week, but they were cleared to play on Wednesday.
"It's unfortunate to lose a player with Phumeza's experience, but this offers Rachelle an opportunity to make her presence felt," Dazel said in a
statement.
"We have a talented elite squad and each player has immense potential. The fact that they train together daily in Port Elizabeth means any player could slot in with ease."
South Africa, who were drawn in Pool A with hosts Kenya, Senegal and Madagascar for the tournament on April 12, registered a convincing 29-5 win in the final against pool competitors Tunisia last year.
The 2013 runners-up, meanwhile, were drawn in Pool B with Uganda, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
South Africa's success in the tournament dates back to 2006, where they won their first title in Kampala, Uganda. They also secured the titles in 2007, 2008, 2011 and 2013.
The squad departs for Kenya on Sunday and will take part in a joint training camp with the other seven teams from April 7 to 11, before battling it out for the top honours next Saturday.
Springbok Women's Sevens squad: Zenay Jordaan (captain), Marithy Pienaar, Nomaphelo Mayongo, Vuyolwethu Vazi, Lorinda Brown, Nomsa Mokwai, Veroeshka Grain, Rachelle Geldenhuys, Jackie Kriel, Nosiphiwo Goda, Mathrin Simmers, Fundiswa Plaatjie.
- Sapa