Makwezela to make her debut in World Cup opener

31 July 2014 - 15:16 By Sapa
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Centre Benele Makwezela will make her debut for the Springbok Women in the team's opening match at the IRB Women's Rugby World Cup against Australia on Friday.

Coach Lawrence Sephaka on Thursday named Makwezela in his starting 15 for the clash at the Centre National du Rugby in Marcoussis.

Makwezela would be surrounded by a number of experienced heads in the Pool C encounter.

Nine players in Sephaka's match 22 played in the 2010 edition of the competition in London-- five of which also participated in Canada in 2006.

Mandisa Williams, Lamla Momoti, Cebisa Kula, Fundiswa Plaatjie and Zandile Nojoko have played in the last two tournament editions.

Sephaka said Makwezela's spot in the starting lineup was well earned.

"Benele played very well against the Nomads in London and she was unlucky not to be selected to face France in July," Sephaka said.

"She has put in a lot of extra work since that tour to show us what she is capable of and it paid off. It is a special moment for any player to make their debut and to achieve this in a World Cup is particularly special, so I wish her the best of luck."

Sephaka said he had picked a side capable of thwarting their Australian opposition.

"This match-22 has a good mix of youth and experience, which is ideal. This is a big occasion for the team and for the individuals, so it is important to have players who can guide the youngsters when necessary," Sephaka said.

Sephaka urged his players to show strength in all areas of the game and start the tournament on a high note.

The last time the teams met South Africa were on the wrong end of a 62-0 result.

SA starting 15: Cindy Cant, Veroeshka Grain, Benele Makwezela, Lorinda Brown, Phumeza Gadu, Zenay Jordaan, Tayla Kinsey, Mandisa Williams, Vuyolwethu Vazi, Lamla Momoti, Cindy Booi, Celeste Adonis, Cebisa Kula, Denita Wentzel, Asithandile Ntoyanto.

Replacements: Thantaswa Macingwana, Nwabisa Ngxatu, Andrea Mentoor, Shona-Leah Weston, Fundiswa Plaatjie, Zandile Nojoko, Siviwe Basweni.

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