Springbok Women Suffer Another Injury Setback Before Final Test of 2026
- Another injury has forced the Springbok Women to adjust their plans for Saturday’s final Test of 2026
- The coaching staff have reshuffled several positions following last weekend’s defeat to Ireland
- South Africa will look to finish their international season strongly in front of their home crowd
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Source: UGC
The Springbok Women have made seven changes to their starting line-up for Saturday’s WXV Global Series rematch against Ireland after prop Sanelisiwe Charlie suffered a serious knee injury in training. South Africa will host Ireland at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on 31 October 2026, hoping to respond to their 40-27 defeat last weekend.
Co-coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September have adjusted the pack and backline, with Yonela Ngxingolo replacing Charlie in the starting front row. Ngxingolo earned her 50th Test cap off the bench last weekend.
Lindelwa Gwala starts at hooker, while Danelle Lochner joins Vainah Ubisi at lock. Catha Jacobs moves to flanker, and Nomsa Mokwai comes onto the bench. Anuschka Ekron has also been named among the replacements.
Laurian Johannes-Haupt explains team changes
Byrhandré Dolf moves from flyhalf to fullback, allowing Mary Zulu to start at No 10. Jakkie Cilliers switches to right wing, with Alichia Arries moving to the left. Maria Tshiremba will provide an attacking option off the bench.
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Johannes-Haupt said the changes would not alter the team’s approach.
“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, according to SA Rugby.
“We believe the changes will provide a better outcome against Ireland.”
The coach also welcomed opportunities for local players Anuschka Ekron and Insaaf Levy, who began their international seasons at the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Kenya.
Springbok Women target strong finish in Cape Town
Johannes-Haupt believes the Springbok Women have an opportunity to give their supporters something to celebrate when they meet Ireland again.
“We are not going to Athlone to lose on Saturday,” the coach said, emphasising the team’s determination to end the year with a strong showing in front of their home crowd.
The rematch kicks off at 15:00 on Saturday, 31 October, at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town, with tickets available through Ticketmaster. After losing the first Test 40-27, South Africa will aim to turn their selection changes into a better result.
Springbok Women team to face Ireland
The Springbok Women team for Saturday’s 15:00 kick-off at Athlone Stadium features seven changes to the starting line-up following the 40-27 defeat to Ireland.
Starting XV
- Yonela Ngxingolo
- Lindelwa Gwala
- Xoliswa Khuzwayo
- Vainah Ubisi
- Danelle Lochner
- Sizophila Solontsi (captain)
- Catha Jacobs
- Aseza Hele
- Unam Tose
- Mary Zulu
- Alichia Arries
- Shiniqwa Lamprecht
- Maceala Samboya
- Jakkie Cilliers
- Byrhandré Dolf
Replacements
- Anushka Groenewald
- Anuschka Ekron
- Thandile Mazwi
- Nomsa Mokwai
- Aphiwe Ngwevu
- Lerato Makua
- Insaaf Levy
- Maria Tshiremba
Source: UGC
Alichia Arries shares special moment with daughter
Briefly News previously reported that Springbok Women winger Alichia Arries scored a late try against Ireland on 24 October, with her four-year-old daughter, Tatum, watching from the stands.
Arries said it was the first time she had played for the Springbok Women in front of her daughter, making the moment particularly special despite South Africa’s 40-27 defeat.
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Source: Briefly News
