Springbok Women reshuffle backline to avenge 40-27 loss against Ireland in WXV decider

South Africa’s Springbok Women have named a reshuffled starting XV for their final Test of 2026, a WXV Global Series fixture against Ireland at Athlone Stadium on Saturday, as they look to overturn the 40-27 defeat Ireland inflicted on them earlier in the series.

The most pressing change was forced upon co-head coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September by injury: prop Sanelisiwe Charlie sustained a serious knee injury in training and will miss the match entirely. Yonela Ngxingolo steps into the front row in her place, with Lindelwa Gwala starting at hooker and Anushka Groenewald named among the replacements.

In the tight five, Danelle Lochner partners Vainah Ubisi at lock, while Catha Jacobs shifts to flanker to accommodate the reshaped pack.

The backline has been significantly reordered. Byrhandré Dolf moves to full-back, and Mary Zulu comes into the starting XV at fly-half. Jakkie Cilliers switches to the right wing with Alichia Arries moving to the left, while Maria Tshiremba drops to the replacements bench.

Despite the defeat to Ireland, South Africa did climb into the top 10 of the World Rugby rankings — a marker of the squad’s progress across the season that Johannes-Haupt was keen to build on.

“We are not going to Athlone to lose on Saturday,” she said. “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.”

Captain Sizophila Solontsi retains her place at blindside flanker, leading a side that carries a combined wealth of experience across the matchday 23.