National teams in action this weekend

Leighton Koopman and Herman Gibbs

The Springbok men’s and women’s teams, along with Banyana Banyana, will carry the hopes of a nation on their shoulders this weekend.

The cream of South Africa’s rugby talent will be on show in Gqeberha on Saturday. The men’s side face Italy in the second Test, while the women ramp up their preparations for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup with a second clash against Canada.

Banyana, meanwhile, will take on Tanzania in their second Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group C fixture in Morocco, with victory likely to secure their passage to the next round of the tournament.

The Springboks are eager to put their best foot forward in front of Test rugby-hungry Eastern Cape supporters, with Saturday marking their first match in Gqeberha since 2018.

Seven years ago, a packed Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium witnessed the Boks run out against Australia. Three years later, the Covid-19 pandemic meant their two clashes with Argentina in the same city were played behind closed doors.

Now, the world champions face Italy at the same venue (kick-off 5.10pm) in a bid to make amends for a sub-par display in the first Test at Loftus Versfeld. They’ll be hoping for a sea of green to lift them to a stronger showing against the Azzurri.

Local hero and winger Makazole Mapimpi, who hails from Mdantsane and once plied his trade for the Southern Kings at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, is one of the players set to grab another opportunity in green and gold in his home province. Regular captain Siya Kolisi will miss the clash as he recovers from a couple of niggles.

“We are excited to be back here,” Mapimpi said of the opportunity to play in Gqeberha.

“The last time we were here was during Covid in 2021, so it is exciting for the fans too. The support here just hits differently because people don’t experience what others experience going to a Sharks or Stormers game. It’s very rare for the Springboks to play here.

“I am sure people are really excited to come in their numbers to watch us.”

The Bok women will kick off the day’s action when they face Canada in the second Test (1.30pm start). Ten players in the squad hail from the Eastern Cape, and they’ll be eager to put on a performance worthy of the occasion.

“We hope that our performances on Saturday will give the local support something to cheer about,” said performance coach Swys de Bruin.

Meanwhile, as the action at WAFCON heats up, defending champions Banyana Banyana are set to bring the fire in their crucial clash against Tanzania on Friday night.

Kick-off is scheduled for 9pm at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco — a later start that should provide some respite from the sweltering heat that has defined the tournament thus far.

Both sets of players will welcome the cooler evening temperatures after the searing heat of the opening round, where matches played earlier in the day saw mercury levels near 40°C.

Banyana Banyana are currently top of Group C after a convincing 2-0 win over Ghana in their opener, a match marked by tactical discipline and attacking flair — and interrupted three times for cooling breaks.

Coach Desiree Ellis has led her team through early morning training sessions to avoid the intense daytime conditions and says her players are prepared for the physical battle ahead.

“We are blessed with speed and skill, and that will give us the edge,” Ellis said confidently, acknowledging that Tanzania, like Ghana, may pose a size challenge.

Mali, who narrowly beat Tanzania 1-0, sit second in the group, and the upcoming Ghana–Mali clash could prove decisive for group standings. Banyana will be aiming to wrap up progression to the knockout rounds with a game to spare.

Cape Times