South Africa ring the changes as they look to recover from Wales ‘sting’

The Springbok Women have made a plenty of changed to their squad as they look to recover from being “stung” by Wales in their WXV Global Series 2026 opener.

A week ago in Cardiff the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 quarter-finalists were well-beaten by Sean Lynn’s Wales.

Now they must take on an Italy team emboldened by their 55-21 win against Japan in their first game under the leadership of Plinio Sciamanna.

The team’s captain Babalwa Latsha is dropped to the bench in Pordenone, with Nombuyekezo Mdliki installed as the starting tighthead. Unam Tose and Sizo Solontsi share the captaincy.

There are also returns to the matchday 23 for Lerato Makua and Alichia Arries, who missed last week’s game with injury.

Only three backs from the Wales game have been retained, try-scorers Maceala Samboya and Maria Tshiremba, and Byrhandré Dolf, who starts at fly-half.

Arries, Tose and Shiniqwa Lamprecht will all be seen from the first whistle on Saturday in Italy’s north east.

Franzel September, South Africa co-head coach, said: “We were stung in Cardiff, but no player has been dropped as such for this match against Italy. We were always going to test combinations, bring players back from injury and give newer players more Test match opportunities. This match-up is the one we believe will have the best chance of success against a very capable Italian side.

“We are only focused on our outcomes for this one, we know Italy will pose certain challenges with the way they approach the game and we need to combat those of course. We prepared well for this match, and the coaches are confident that we can put up a very competitive performance. Last year’s win against them was a wonderful injection to our programme and the self-belief of the squad, but this is a new challenge, and we start afresh for this one.”

Former Italy captain Elisa Giordano has returned to the starting team for South Africa’s visit. Her inclusion sees Francesca Sgorbini take on the blindside flanker role. Alissa Ranuccini completes the back-row.

Elsewhere, Alessia Pilani comes in for Vittoria Zanette at tighthead prop. Gaia Dose is her replacement.

There is also a reshuffle in the backs, as Alyssa D’Inca moves back to the wing to accommodate Emma Stevanin’s inclusion at fly-half. Michaele Sillari is moved to outside centre.

Mascia Jelic, whose sister Ratko has represented Italy in rugby sevens, is in line to make her debut from among the replacements.

Plinio Sciamanna, Italy head coach, said: “The match against South Africa will be different from the one against Japan, which is why we’ve made changes to the lineup. The return of Elisa and Michela gives us more options and adds experience ahead of an intense challenge, though we’ve still managed to give playing time to Mascia, who will start on the bench this Saturday.”

Italy starting XV: 15 Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, 14 Aura Muzzo, 13 Michela Sillari, 12 Sara Mannini, 11 Alyssa D’Inca, 10 Emma Stevanin, 9 Sofia Stefan; 1 Silvia Turani, 2 Vittoria Vecchini, 3 Alessia Pilani, 4 Alessandra Frangipani, 5 Giordana Duca, 6 Francesca Sgorbini, 7 Alissa Ranuccini, 8 Elisa Giordano

Replacements: 16 Chiara Cheli, 17 Laura Foscato, 18 Gaia Dosi, 19 Giulia Cavina, 20 Mascia Jelic, 21 Alia Bitonci, 22 Beatrice Rigoni, 23 Francesca Granzotto

South Africa starting XV: 15 Jakkie Cilliers, 14 Alichia Arries, 13 Maceala Samboya, 12 Shiniqwa Lamprecht, 11 Maria Tshiremba, 10 Byrhandré Dolf, 9 Unam Tose (co-captain); 1 Yonela Ngxingolo, 2 Anushka Groenewald, 3 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 4 Vainah Ubisi, 5 Catha Jacobs, 6 Sizophila Solontsi (co-captain), 7 Lerato Makua, 8 Aseza Hele

Replacements: 16 Micke Gunter, 17 Sanelisiwe Charlie, 18 Babalwa Latsha, 19 Nomsa Mokwai, 20 Logan Welman, 21 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 22 Felicia Jacobs, 23 Libbie Janse van Rensburg