Barbarians Women v South Africa Preview

The Barbarians Women face South Africa in their first home brace in Twickenham after the men’s game against Samoa.

Barbarian FC President John Spencer said: “Hosting the Springboks at the English rugby stadium is an important moment in the progression of our women’s team. This reinforces our commitment to both barbarian women and women’s rugby more broadly.

The women’s team was formed in 2017 and has since played five games – winning four and losing one. They hope to add to their wins on Saturday at Twickenham, but they face an improving opponent in the Springboks.

This fall, South Africa has won just one in three matches as it prepares for next year’s Rugby World Cup, but it’s a somewhat unknown entity.

Our Barbarians Women v South Africa preview will tell you all about the team news and how you can watch.

What’s the big news from the team?

The Barbarians have named a team of stars. England’s Natasha Hunt will captain the team and will join Katy Daley-Mclean as half-back.

Ciara Griffin, who announced her retirement from international rugby last week, will start alongside fellow Irishwoman Anna Caplice. There are also a pair of Irish centers from Jenny Murphy and Sene Naoupu.

There are four American players in the starting lineup – mainstay Hope Rogers, lock Alycia Washington, and three full-backs Sarah Levy and Bulou Mataitoga.

South Africa have made nine changes to the squad which beat England U20 38-5 last Sunday. There are four changes to the full-backs as Eloise Webb arrives at the full-back, Nomawethu Mabenge starts on the wing and Zenay Jordaan and Unam Tose form a new half-back partnership.

In the attackers, Asithandile Ntoyanto and Babalwa Latsha start at the pillar, Nolusindiso Booi and Rights Mkhari form a new pair of locks and Lusanda Dumke arrives at the flanker.

What did the coaches say?

Barbarians Women Head Coach Jo Yapp: “We have over 700 international caps in nine nations on our women’s team. There will be some real talent performing at Twickenham on Saturday.

“Women’s rugby has really taken off in recent months, especially with all of the Red Roses games being broadcast live on the BBC throughout the fall, and we look forward to ending the international season at Twickenham with a game full of excitement, flair and passion.

“The girls have been working hard all week, becoming a really strong unit, and they have been an absolute pleasure to coach. We can’t wait to see them come out and express themselves on the pitch.

South Africa Head Coach Stanley Raubenheimer: “We’ve made good progress over the past three weeks, I think, but we haven’t changed what we’re working on and will continue to look for improvements in these areas in our last game against the Barbarians.

“We always strive to have better possession and keep the ball longer. By doing this we can better control the game. We have seen an improvement in that in the last few weeks which has resulted in some testing, so this will again be an area of ​​focus for us. “

What time does it start and is it on TV?

The match kicks off at 5:15 p.m. on Saturday 27 November at Twickenham Stadium.

Referee Clara Munarini, assistants Sara Cox and Maria Beatrice Benvenuti and TMO Stefano Penne will take charge of the match.

The match will be broadcast on BBC iPlayer, with commentary from Sara Orchard and Emily Scarratt. World Rugby, SuperSport in South Africa and Sky Sport NZ will also broadcast the game.

What are the queues?

Barbarian women: Bulou Mataitoga; Rhona Lloyd, Sene Naoupu, Jenny Murphy, Sarah Levy; Katy Daley-McLean, Natasha Hunt (captain); Lindsay Peat, Laura Russell, Hope Rogers, Alycia Washington, Lenaig Corson, Ciara Griffin, Karen Paquin, Anna Caplice.

Substitutes: Isabel Rico Vazquez, Rochelle Clark, Simi Pam, Sonia Green, Bethan Dainton, Sammy Wong, Morgane Peyronnet, Katie Mason.

South Africa: Eloise Webb; Nomawethu Mabenge, Jakkie Cilliers, Chumisa Qawe, Simamkele Namba; Zenay Jordaan, Unam Tose; Asithandile Ntoyanto, Micke Gunter, Babalwa Latsha, Nolusindiso Booi (captain), Rights Mkhari, Lusanda Dumke, Catha Jacobs, Sizophila Solontsi.

Substitutes: Lindelwa Gwala, Sanelisiwe Charlie, Monica Mazibukwana, Lerato Makua, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Rumandi Potgieter, Ayanda Malinga, Donelle Snyders.

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