The Springbok Women are set for a significant test against Ireland as the two sides prepare to meet twice in Cape Town, 20 years after their only previous encounter ended in a heavy 37-0 defeat for South Africa.
The historic result came at the 2006 Women’s Rugby World Cup, but much has changed for the Springbok Women since then. South Africa now sit inside the world’s top 10 and will be determined to demonstrate just how far the team has progressed.
The first of the two Tests takes place at Athlone Stadium on Saturday, 24 October, with the second meeting scheduled for 31 October.
Springbok Women Target Ranking Boost
The two-Test series carries plenty of significance for both teams as they look to finish their WXV Global Series campaigns strongly.
South Africa currently occupy 10th position in the World Rugby rankings, while Ireland are ranked fifth.
Ireland have recorded one victory and one defeat in the series so far. They opened with a 36-40 loss to the United States before responding with a 31-24 victory over Japan.
The Springbok Women have also experienced mixed results but enter the series with momentum.
They suffered a 50-19 defeat against Wales in September before bouncing back with a 41-29 victory over Italy. South Africa then produced a commanding defensive display to beat Spain 20-0 in Seville.
That recent improvement will give the hosts confidence heading into the Irish challenge.
A Very Different Springbok Women Team
The 37-0 defeat from 2006 remains part of the history between these teams, but it provides little indication of what can be expected from the modern Springbok Women.
Ireland went on to establish themselves as one of the world’s leading women’s rugby teams, reaching as high as fourth in the rankings at the World Cup.
South Africa, meanwhile, have continued developing their women’s programme and are now competing regularly against some of the strongest teams in international rugby.
The upcoming double-header provides another opportunity to measure that progress.
Squad Changes Before Ireland Tests
Springbok Women co-coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September have made several changes to their squad ahead of the series.
Scrumhalves Anacadia Minnaar and Insaaf Levy have been brought into the group, with the pair replacing Felicia Jacobs and the injured Ayanda Malinga.
There is also a leadership change, with captain Babalwa Latsha ruled out because of an ankle injury. Loose forward Sizophila Solontsi will take over the captaincy.
Prop Nombuyekezo Mdliki is another absentee after suffering a rib injury during South Africa’s victory over Spain.
Ireland Expected to Test South Africa’s Defence
The Irish side presents a major challenge, particularly at set piece and through its kicking game.
Springbok Women utility forward Catha Jacobs has highlighted Ireland’s strength at lineout time, their overall skill level and their ability to use the boot to put opponents under pressure.
South Africa will therefore need to be disciplined in the key areas of the game while maintaining the attacking momentum shown in their recent victories.
Can South Africa Rewrite History?
Twenty years after Ireland’s 37-0 victory, the Springbok Women have the opportunity to create a very different chapter in this rivalry.
With two home Tests, valuable ranking points and WXV Global Series momentum on the line, South Africa will be looking to turn their recent progress into a statement performance against one of the world’s top-ranked teams.
Can the Springbok Women upset Ireland and climb the World Rugby rankings?
