Springbok Women make backline changes as they target Ireland response

Springbok Women co-head coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September have made several changes to their starting XV for their final Test of 2026.

South Africa will host Ireland at Athlone Stadium on Saturday in their second home WXV Global Series Test. Ireland claimed a 40-27 victory in the previous meeting, although South Africa moved into the top 10 of the World Rugby rankings despite the defeat.

There is a significant change in the front row following a serious knee injury sustained by Sanelisiwe Charlie during training. The prop misses the fixture, with Yonela Ngxingolo stepping into the starting XV. Lindelwa Gwala starts at hooker, while Anushka Groenewald is named among the replacements.

Danelle Lochner starts at lock alongside Vainah Ubisi, while Catha Jacobs moves to flanker.

There are also several changes in the backline. Byrhandré Dolf moves to full-back, while Mary Zulu comes into the starting XV at fly-half.

Jakkie Cilliers switches to the right wing, with Alichia Arries moving to the left. Maria Tshiremba drops to the replacements.

Springbok Women co-head coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt said the team were determined to finish their season on a high.

“We are not going to Athlone to lose on Saturday. This is the perfect venue and occasion to finish off a good season for our squad.

“What better way to front a challenge from one of the top five ranked teams in the world with a performance that will do justice to our year and reward one of the most passionate crowds in the women’s game.”

Springbok Women matchday 23 squad v Ireland | WXV Global Series 2026

15 Byrhandré Dolf (SA Rugby contracted) – 34 caps, 90 points (9 tries, 21 conversions, 1 penalty goal)
14 Jakkie Cilliers (RC Toulon Provence Méditerranée) – 30 caps, 170 points (12 tries, 49 conversions, 8 penalty goals)
13 Maceala Samboya (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 15 caps, 30 points (6 tries)
12 Shiniqwa Lamprecht (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 6 caps, 0 points
11 Alichia Arries (DHL Western Province) – 13 caps, 30 points (6 tries)
10 Mary Zulu (Sharks Women) – 20 caps, 45 points (1 try, 20 conversions)
9 Unam Tose (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 35 caps, 17 points (3 tries, 1 conversion)
1 Yonela Ngxingolo (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 50 caps, 20 points (4 tries)
2 Lindelwa Gwala (Sharks Women) – 44 caps, 90 points (18 tries)
3 Xoliswa Khuzwayo (Golden Lions Women) – 17 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
4 Vainah Ubisi (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 31 caps, 50 points (10 tries)
5 Danelle Lochner (Harlequins Women) – 28 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
6 Sizophila Solontsi (captain; SA Rugby contracted) – 40 caps, 50 points (10 tries)
7 Catha Jacobs (Golden Lions Women) – 35 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
8 Aseza Hele (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 39 caps, 95 points (19 tries)

Replacements
16 Anushka Groenewald (DHL Western Province) – 14 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
17 Anuschka Ekron (DHL Western Province) – 3 caps, 0 points
18 Thandile Mazwi (DHL Western Province) – 6 caps, 0 points
19 Nomsa Mokwai (DHL Western Province) – 23 caps, 0 points
20 Aphiwe Ngwevu (Border Ladies) – 40 caps, 85 points (17 tries)
21 Lerato Makua (SA Rugby contracted) – 23 caps, 25 points (5 tries)
22 Insaaf Levy (DHL Western Province) – 2 caps, 0 points
23 Maria Tshiremba (SA Rugby contracted) – 4 caps, 30 points (6 tries)