The Springbok Women experienced a mixed bag of emotions this week as they prepared to take on Ireland in the WXV Global Series, a week after being defeated 40-27 at Athlone Stadium, the same venue for the second Test on Saturday.
According to Bok Women captain Sizophila Solontsi, there was frustration because they had to wait for a week for the opportunity to right the wrongs, but the week also provided some time for reflection on how much they played against themselves with too many unforced errors in the 80 minutes.
The Bok Women – showing a number of changes from last weekend’s starting side – went through their final preparations during the traditional captain’s run at the University of Cape Town, and Solontsi said afterwards that they are ready to overturn last weekend’s result.
One of the main issued addressed was discipline as the Bok Women conceded 13 penalties to Ireland’s eight, with Solontsi adamant that they will be better in that area.
“Part of the frustration was that we knew we had let ourselves down and although there was comfort to know we will get another go at them, we were unhappy with ourselves because we did not use the first opportunity as we should,” she said.
The easy part of fixing their mistakes was that they knew exactly where they came up short and why, so Solontsi is confident that similar mistakes will not happen in the final test match of the season.
“It was an easy fix, but that was not all we did this week,” she said.
“We looked at all areas of our game, even the ones we did well in, so that we have all aspects of our game flowing on the weekend.”
The Irish made only one change to the starting line-up from last weekend, but the Bok Women have a couple of new players in the run-on side.
Solontsi feels whoever takes the field, will have the same responsibilities that those coming off the bench: “As a group, we have been together for a while now and everyone knows their role and what to do when. We did get clarity this week again on everyone’s roles and responsibilities, therefor I am confident we will deliver a proper showing.”
Solontsi said they also owe the Athlone Stadium faithful a proper thank you in their final Test of the season.
“What was great last week, despite the fact that the Stormers were playing, was that we still had a good crowd out at Athlone, supporting us and celebrating women’s rugby,” she said.
“That was great to experience and be part of. If we can have a repeat of that support, it will be fantastic. Athlone Stadium really has something magical when the Bok Women play there.”
Selected stats:
- South Africa can climb to a new high of eighth if they beat Ireland for the first time, a result that would take them above Italy. A defeat would instantly drop them back to 10th, losing the place they gained on the world rankings last weekend.
- Jakkie Cilliers is the Springbok Women’s leading points’ scorer this year, with 77 points.
- Yonela Nxgingolo will extend her run as the most capped Springbok Women prop, playing in her 51st Test, while Lindelwa Gwala extends her record as the most capped hooker ever to 45 caps.
Head-to-Head:
2006: Ireland won 37-0 (WRWC, St Albert, Canada)
2026: Ireland won 40-27 (WXV Global Series, Cape Town)
Match details: South Africa vs Ireland
Date: Saturday 31 October 2026
Venue: Athlone Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: 15h00
Referee: Jess Ling (Australia)
Assistant referees: Precious Pazani (Zimbabwe), Giana Viljoen (South Africa)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (Italy)
Bunker: Quinton Immelman (South Africa)
TV: SuperSport
Streaming: SA Rugby YouTube Channel
