- The Springbok Women have identified several areas to fix before their next encounter with Ireland in Cape Town
- Coaches believe the 13-point defeat does not tell the full story of a match in which South Africa scored five tries
- The team now faces a crucial opportunity to respond in front of home supporters on Saturday, 31 October
Source: Twitter
South Africa’s 27-40 defeat to Ireland in the opening WXV Global Series encounter has prompted the Springbok Women’s coaching team to identify costly mistakes ahead of next weekend’s rematch. Co-head coach Franzel September believes his players can turn things around when the teams return to Athlone Stadium on Saturday, 31 October 2026.
Ireland scored six tries to South Africa’s five in Cape Town on Saturday, 24 October. Despite the home side’s attacking efforts and strong crowd support, missed opportunities and defensive lapses proved costly.
Springbok Women identify costly errors against Ireland
September said the team produced several encouraging moments but failed to capitalise when it mattered most.
“We did a lot of good things today, but ultimately made some unforced errors which allowed Ireland to capitalise, regroup and turn the momentum around,” September said, as quoted by SA Rugby.
He also highlighted missed scoring opportunities close to the Irish try line, including two attacking mauls stopped just five metres short.
“We can fix that though, so that is why I believe we can turn this around next weekend,” September added.
Laurian Johannes-Haupt backs Springbok Women to respond
Co-head coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt agreed that South Africa needed greater accuracy in attack and defence.
“We scored five good tries and could have had more if we were more clinical when on attack. Our defence was also not accurate enough at times,” she said.
Johannes-Haupt confirmed that the team would review the performance before returning to training on Monday, 26 October.
The coaches believe fixing those shortcomings will give the Springbok Women a better chance to challenge Ireland in the return fixture.
Source: Twitter
Unam Tose addresses disappointed supporters
Vice-captain Unam Tose acknowledged the disappointment after the loss, particularly for supporters who came to Athlone Stadium to back the team.
“We do want to inspire others, especially young girls, to take up the game, but then we must make them proud,” Tose said.
The Springbok Women will get another chance to respond when the sides meet on Saturday, 31 October, at 15:00. The rematch gives South Africa a chance to apply lessons from the opening defeat and finish the two-match home series stronger.
Springbok Women make captaincy change ahead of Ireland rematch
Briefly News also reported that the Springbok Women made three changes to their starting line-up ahead of their WXV Global Series Test against Ireland in Cape Town, with Sizophila Solontsi taking over the captaincy after Babalwa Latsha was ruled out through injury.
Xoliswa Khuzwayo moved to tighthead prop, Sanelisiwe Charlie returned at loosehead, and Maria Tshiremba came into the backline on the left wing. Meanwhile, Yonela Ngxingolo was named among the replacements, one appearance away from reaching 50 Test caps.
Source: Briefly News
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