Springbok Women make sweeping changes to face Italy after Wales defeat in WXV opener

South Africa have made wholesale changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s WXV Global Series 2026 fixture against Italy in Pordenone, after co-head coach Franzel September acknowledged the Springbok Women were “stung” by Wales in their tournament opener in Cardiff last week.

Captain Babalwa Latsha has been dropped to the bench, with Nombuyekezo Mdliki installed at starting tighthead prop. The captaincy is shared between Unam Tose and Sizo Solontsi for this fixture. Of the backs who started against Wales, only try-scorers Maceala Samboya and Maria Tshiremba are retained alongside Byrhandré Dolf, who starts at fly-half. Arries, Tose and Shiniqwa Lamprecht all come into the starting line-up from the first whistle.

Lerato Makua and Alichia Arries, both absent last week through injury, return to the matchday 23.

“We were stung in Cardiff, but no player has been dropped as such for this match against Italy,” September said. “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.”

September added that last year’s victory over Italy had been a significant confidence boost for the programme, but stressed the squad is approaching this fixture as a fresh challenge.

Italy arrive in good form after a 55-21 win over Japan in their WXV opener under new head coach Plinio Sciamanna. The Azzurre have also made changes, recalling former captain Elisa Giordano to the starting XV, with Francesca Sgorbini shifting to blindside flanker and Alissa Ranuccini completing the back row. Alessia Pilani comes in at tighthead prop, while Emma Stevanin’s inclusion at fly-half sees Alyssa D’Inca move back to the wing and Michela Sillari shift to outside centre. Mascia Jelic, whose brother Ratko has represented Italy in rugby sevens, is in line to make her Test debut from the replacements bench.

“The match against South Africa will be different from the one against Japan, which is why we’ve made changes to the lineup,” Sciamanna said. “The return of Elisa and Michela gives us more options and adds experience ahead of an intense challenge.”

For South Africa, the fixture represents an opportunity to arrest a slide before the competition progresses. The Springboks were quarter-finalists at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, and a second successive defeat would place significant pressure on their WXV campaign.