HSBC SVNS 2 Women’s Preview – Nairobi
With all teams now in Nairobi, anticipation builds for a thrilling weekend of rugby at Nyayo National Stadium.. A blend of experience, debutants, and continental champions ensures the HSBC SVNS 2 opener will be fiercely contested, setting the tone for the three-leg competition.
Africa 7s Champions South Africa arrive in Nairobi fresh from winning the HSBC SVNS 3 in Dubai, hoping momentum will carry them to another dominant performance. From the squad that won the Africa 7s in November and the HSBC SVNS 3 in Dubai, coach Cecil Afrika will miss Vianca Boer (injury) and Lerato Makua (provincial duty). In their place, debutant Shannon-Lee Windvogel joins the team. Captain Nadine Roose leads once again, supported by speedsters Ayanda Malinga and Maria Tshriemba, who will look to ignite South Africa’s attack.
Hosts Kenya Lionesses will rely on home advantage and passionate support at Nyayo Stadium. Coach Simon Odongo will miss the services of the hard-hitting Faith Livoi but he welcomes back the pace of Janet Okello.
Two debutants, Marvel Oswago and Charity Nila, will be keen to impress after missing out on last year’s Africa 7s. Alongside Okello, fans can expect strong performances from Grace Adhiambo, now playing for Toulouse in France, as well as Freshia Awino and Sheila Chajira.
Argentina come to the tournament with confidence after reaching the HSBC SVNS 3 final in Dubai, where they narrowly lost 12–5 to South Africa. Determined to go one step further, they will rely on captain Sofia Gonzalez and the speedy Maria Paula Pedrozo to spearhead their campaign.
Spain are no strangers to Kenya, having featured in the Safari 7s through franchises like the Costa Blanca Barbarians. They aim to begin strongly in Nairobi as they hope to join their men’s team in the HSBC SVNS top tier. Veteran captain Anne Fernández de Corres, with 83 appearances since her 2015 debut, anchors the squad. She is supported by Silvia Morales, Paula Requena, and Olivia Fresneda, blending youth with experience.
Brazil, known as the Yaras, also arrive as continental champions after winning the Sudamérica Rugby Women’s Sevens Championship, defeating Colombia and Argentina in the process.. Led by experienced captain Mariana Nicolau, who has played at two Olympic Games, Brazil will look to turn lessons learned into victories.
Asia’s sole representatives, China, bring fitness and discipline as their main strengths. Dou Xinrong captains the side, despite only debuting in 2023, already boasting appearances at major continental tournaments and the 2024 Paris Olympics. Other players to keep a keen eye on in this China team are Le Zhang, whose tactical kicking can pressure opponents, and speedster Sun Yue, who adds attacking flair.
By James Njenga
