DOUBLE TROUBLE

Wynona Louw

Mathrin Simmers and Sizophila Solontsi will share the responsibility of leading the Springbok Women at the Rugby World Cup Sevens.

SPRINGBOK Women’s Sevens coach Paul Delport has opted for co-captains for the World Cup Sevens, which takes place from Friday to Sunday in Cape Town.

The experienced Mathrin Simmers will share the captaincy duties with Sizophila Solontsi, who captained the side at a number of tournaments this season.

The Springbok Women’s Sevens will open their campaign against France in the second-last game on Friday evening, and Delport said they are out to make the most of this opportunity.

“We are focused internally and want to make sure we play that game with clarity amongst the group,” said Delport.

On his decision of naming co-captains, Delport said: “Home tournaments create a lot of extra pressure on our captains and we want to spread the workload in that regard and also to make sure we have a captain on the field all the time.

“Mathrin and Sizo are both experienced campaigners and leaders and will complement each other in that regard.”

Only Simamkele Namba has not played for the team before, with a number of players who made their debuts in this year’s World Series, Commonwealth Games or Challenger Series.

Full Springbok Women’s Sevens squad:

• Marlize de Bruin

• Kirsten Eastes

• Nolwazi Hlabangane

• Felicia Jacobs

• Lerato Makua

• Unathi Mali

• Ayanda Malinga

• Zintle Mpupha

• Simamkele Namba

• Asisipho Plaatjies

• Nadine

• Mathrin Simmers

• Sizophila Solontsi

• Eloise Webb.

Mathrin Simmers leads out her team at the Commonwealth Games. - World Rugby Photos

Coach Paul Delport wants a captain on the field at all times. - ANA Pictures

Sizophila Solontsi has captained the team at a number of tournaments this season.

- ANA Pictures