Ireland hand Niamh Gallagher starting role for second Springboks showdown

Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has made two changes to his backline for the WXV Global Series 2026 finale against the Springbok Women, with Niamh Gallagher handed a start at full-back.

The 20-year-old Trailfinders Women player earned her first Ireland cap during the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations and replaces Stacey Flood, who drops to the bench.

Aoibheann Reilly also comes into the starting XV at scrum-half, replacing Emily Lane. She will partner out-half Dannah O’Brien.

There is also a start for scrum-half Aoibheann Reilly, who is selected ahead of Emily Lane. She will partner out-half Dannah O’Brien.

Otherwise the backline is unchanged. Béibhinn Parsons and Robyn O’Connor start on the wings, while Aoife Dalton and Anna McGann combine in the centres.

The pack is unchanged. Linda Djougang, Neve Jones and Eilís Cahill form the front-row. Jane Clohessy and Dorothy Wall are the lock pair, while Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan forms the back-row alongside team captain Erin King and Sale Sharks’ Brittany Hogan.

Sophie Barrett is primed to earn her second cap from among the replacements. Beth Buttimer and Niamh O’Dowd are the other front-row replacements, while Grace Moore, Jemima Adams Verling and Eve Higgins will also offer their support when called upon.

Last time out at Athlone Stadium, Ireland won a highly entertaining fixture 40-27. Despite losing, South Africa moved into the top 10 of the World Rugby rankings.

Ireland matchday 23 v South Africa | WXV Global Series 2026

15. Niamh Gallagher (Trailfinders Women/IQ Rugby)(4)
14. Béibhinn Parsons (Blackrock College/Connacht)(39)
13. Anna McGann (Railway Union RFC/Connacht)(21)
12. Aoife Dalton (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)(37)
11. Robyn O’Connor (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)(7)
10. Dannah O’Brien (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)(39)
9. Aoibheann Reilly (Blackrock College RFC/Connacht)(23)
1. Linda Djougang (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)(61)
2. Neve Jones (Gloucester-Hartpury)(50)
3. Eilís Cahill (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster)(8)
4. Jane Clohessy (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster)(4)
5. Dorothy Wall (Exeter Chiefs)(45)
6. Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan (Old Belvedere RFC/Ulster)(29)
7. Erin King (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)(16)(captain)
8. Brittany Hogan (Sale Sharks)(47)

Replacements
16. Beth Buttimer (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster)(3)
17. Niamh O’Dowd (Gloucester-Hartpury)(26)
18. Sophie Barrett (Enniskillen RFC/Cooke RFC/Ulster)(1)
19. Grace Moore (Munster)(31)
20. Jemima Adams Verling (Galwegians RFC/Connacht)(4)
21. Emily Lane (Blackrock College RFC/Munster)(29)
22. Eve Higgins (Railway Union RFC/Leinster)(40)
23. Stacey Flood (Railway Union RFC/Leinster)(32)\