Veteran prop Yonela Ngxingolo is once against looking forward to bringing energy and intensity to the team off the bench on Saturday against the USA at Loftus.
The Springbok Women have unleashed their own answer to the men's national side's famed "Bomb Squad" — and veteran loosehead prop Yonela Ngxingolo could not be prouder to lead it.
Affectionately dubbed the "Blom Squad", South Africa's replacements have become an increasingly devastating weapon under head coach Swys de Bruin, with the bench expected to play a pivotal role when the Bok Women take on the USA Eagles in Saturday's second Test at Loftus Versfeld.
For Ngxingolo, who will extend her record as the most-capped Springbok Women prop by earning her 44th Test cap, embracing that role has been a profound journey. The 28-year-old was once an automatic starter, but her elite versatility and ability to steady the scrum have made her one of the squad's most valuable "finishers".
"I understand now what impact I bring to the team," Ngxingolo said. "I'm always keen to make a positive impact so that we can improve as a team. For me it's about being consistent and bringing my A-game whenever I'm called upon."
