Springbok Women gearing up for Spanish showdown in Cape Town

The Bok Women started their five-match campaign on home soil with a convincing 59-17 win over Barbarians almost two weeks ago, and captain Nolusindiso Booi, Booi said that victory gave them a lot of confidence.

"We now need to show momentum and progression in our game against Spain, a team that will test us in all areas of play much more than the Baabaas did," said Booi.

"They have been playing together for quite some time and unlike the Baabaas, will have much better cohesion on attack and defence. We will be tested in all areas of our game and that is exactly what we need."

The two teams played earlier this year as well, where the Springboks Women squeezed a 15-13 result in Valladolid, and for Booi, their performance on Thursday will be a perfect yardstick.

"We know where we were as a team back in March and we are excited about where we perceive ourselves to be right now as a squad," she said.

"That perception will be tested against Spain tomorrow and we cannot wait for this reality check. I believe we have made good progress and some of that showed against the Baabaas, but we are very close to Spain on the world rankings and as the last result showed, on the field as well.

"So we are looking for a performance that will not only justify the hard work over the last couple of weeks, but also reflect on the progress we made."

Booi's sentiments are shared by Springbok Women's assistant coach Franzel September, who feels that the test will be a good reality check.

"We played them earlier in the year and just as we have improved, so did they," said September.

"I watched their last couple of test matches and their style of play is pretty much what we are hoping to get out of the game as well. They love to keep the ball in hand and change direction quite often when on attack.

"Their set pieces are also good, so we are expecting a good challenge to our systems tomorrow. That is exactly what we want with the WXV coming up soon. Ultimately, we are also preparing for next year's Rugby World Cup. Tomorrow will be small, but important steps for us."

September said he is hoping for a good crowd for the late afternoon kick-off: "It meant a lot to the players when so many people came out earlier than usual to come and support them in the curtain-raiser of the Springboks win over New Zealand.

"We hope to get a crowd again as that will afford us the opportunity to showcase what the team is about and aspiring to become. The Baabaas match was a good start, it gave the players confidence and motivation to keep setting the bar higher. All signs point in a positive direction for the Springbok Women and we need to keep that momentum going."

The Springbok Women had a late change to their match-23. Ayanda Malinga will be replaced by Shaunique Hess on the wing, with Aphiwe Ngwevu coming onto the bench to take over from Hess.

Springbok Women - 15 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 14 Jakkie Cilliers, 13 Eloise Webb, 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Shaunique Hess, 10 Nadine Roos, 9 Tayla Kinsey, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Vainah Ubisi, 4 Nolusindiso Booi (c), 3 Azisa Mkiva, 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie.

Replacements: 16 Roseline Botes, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Babalwa Latsha, 19 Danelle Lochner, 20 Catha Jacobs, 21 Felicia Jacobs, 22 Zintle Mpupha, 23 Aphiwe Ngwevu