Women's Rugby World Cup: South Africa Make 10 Changes for Quarter-final Against World Champions New Zealand

South Africa have named ten new starters for their first Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-final against reigning champions New Zealand in Exeter.

Team News

Captain Nolusindiso Booi (40) returns to the pack after missing the defeat by France, joined by props Sanelisiwe Charlie, Lindelwa Gwala, lock Danelle Lochne and flanker Sizophila Solontsi. In the backline, fly-half Libbie Janse van Rensburg, centre Zintle Mpupha and wing Ayanda Malinga, who scored twice against Brazil, are recalled. Head coach Swys de Bruin has included seven forwards on the bench to mirror the Springboks' 2023 final strategy. Utility back Eloise Webb is the sole back among the reserves.

Black Ferns changes

New Zealand have made four changes and one positional switch. Kaipo Olsen-Baker returns at No.8, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u shifts to blind-side flanker. Prop Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu replaces Tanya Kalounivale, Maia Joseph starts at scrum-half, and Theresa Setefano comes in at centre for the injured Sylvia Brunt. Teenager Braxton Sorensen-McGee keeps her wing spot after consecutive hat-tricks, and Jorja Miller starts at open-side flanker.

Match details

The quarter-final takes place at Sandy Park, Exeter, on Saturday 13 September at 13:00 BST. Coverage starts at 12:30 BST on INLIBER Two and iPlayer.

Line-ups

New Zealand: Holmes; Sorensen-McGee, Waaka, Setefano, Woodman-Wickliffe; Demant (co-capt), Joseph; Ponsonby, Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Roos, Bremner, Mikaele-Tu'u, Miller, Olsen-Baker. Replacements: Lolohea, Tangen-Wainohu, Henwood, Bayfield, Tukuafu (co-capt), Hohaia, Du Plessis, Leti-I'iga.

South Africa: Dolf; Samboya, Mpupha, Ngwevu, Malinga; van Rensburg; Roos; Charlie, Gwala, Latsha, Booi (capt), Lochner, Solontsi, Mcatshulwa, Hele. Replacements: Hanekom, Ngxingolo, Mdliki, Ubisi, Qolo, Makua, Jacobs, Webb.

Match officials

Referee: Sara Cox (England). Assistants: Ella Goldsmith (Australia), Kat Roche (USA). TMOs: Rachel Horton.

South Africa's bold squad overhaul highlights their determination to challenge the two-time champions in their first World Cup knockout match.

This topic was reported by BBC Sport.

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