Babalwa Latsha, South Africa’s most-capped women’s prop, has been named captain for the Springbok Women’s final Rugby World Cup pool match against France, set to take place in Northampton later today.

Head coach Swys de Bruin, who confirmed his match-day squad on Thursday, handed World Cup debuts to rising talents Mary Zulu and Anathi Qolo after their impressive showings in the Rugby Africa campaign earlier this season.

Latsha’s appointment as captain marks a milestone in her career, reflecting her steady rise from club rugby in Cape Town to international recognition. She leads a squad that blends the experience of senior players with the fresh energy of emerging talent, a mix that De Bruin says reflects the depth being built within the national team. The coach emphasised that Latsha’s leadership in the front row will be key as the Springbok Women look to match France’s physicality up front.

The squad’s selection highlights South Africa’s commitment to giving young players a platform on the world stage, with Zulu and Qolo both earning starting roles in their first World Cup appearance. Their inclusion is seen as a reward for strong domestic and continental performances and signals a new generation coming through for the Bok Women.

Today’s match at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton is scheduled for a 17:00 local time kick-off. The Springbok Women are already through to the knockout stages, the first time they have advanced to this round in a World Cup. Depending on this match and other pool results South Africa will face either Ireland or New Zealand in the quarterfinals.