By
SABC Sport
29th October 2026
The Test is the second of consecutive WXV Global Series clashes against Ireland, following the Bok Women's 40-27 defeat last weekend.
Unavailable for Saturday's clash is experienced prop Sanelisiwe Charlie, who sustained a serious knee injury during training in the week and has been ruled out.
Yonela Ngxingolo, who came off the bench last week to earn her 50th cap, will take over from Charlie in the starting front row, with Anuschka Ekron coming into the squad as a replacement.
There is also a swap at hooker, with Lindelwa Gwala starting and Anushka Groenewald playing off the bench, while Danelle Lochner will start at lock next to Vainah Ubisi.
Catha Jacobs moves from lock to flanker, with Lerato Makua playing off the bench this week. In a final tweak to the pack, Nomsa Mokwai, comes onto the bench in place of Logan Welman.
Amongst the backs, Byrhandre Dolf will move from flyhalf to fullback, with Mary Zulu being promoted off the bench to start in the No 10 jersey.
Jakkie Cilliers moves from fullback to right wing, resulting in Alichia Arries moving to the left. Maria Tshiremba will add pace and impact off the bench this time around.
"Apart from Sanelisiwe, who unfortunately injured her knee this week, no other changes were forced on us, and we could continue with our planned rotation for our final test of the year," she said. "We believe the changes will provide a better outcome against Ireland," said Springbok Women co-coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt.
"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 - 15 Byrhandre Dolf, 14 Jakkie Cilliers, 13 Maceala Samboya, 12 Shiniqwa Lamprecht, 11 Alichia Arries, 10 Mary Zulu, 9 Unam Tose, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Catha Jacobs, 6 Sizophila Solontsi (captain), 5 Danelle Lochner, 4 Vainah Ubisi, 3 Xoliswa Khuzwayo, 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Yonela Ngxingolo.
Replacements: 16 Anushka Groenewald, 17 Anuschka Ekron, 18 Thandile Mazwi, 19 Nomsa Mokwai, 20 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 21 Lerato Makua, 22 Insaaf Levy, 23 Maria Tshiremba.
