The Springbok Women will carry momentum, continuity, and an unblemished love affair with their Cape Town fortress into their season-closing home series against Ireland at Athlone Stadium.
Following back-to-back victories over Italy and Spain to wrap up their European WXV campaign, co-coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September have largely resisted the urge to tamper with a winning formula.
Only two changes have been made to the 30-player squad that assenbled in Stellenbosch for the twin encounters at Athlone Stadium on Saturday 24 and 31 October. Utility back Anacadia Minnaar – who missed the European tour at the eleventh hour – returns in place of Felicia Jacobs, while Western Province back Insaaf Levy replaces the injured Ayanda Malinga to reward her stellar performances for the SA 'A' side in Brazil.
For Johannes-Haupt, backing the core group that weathered the European storm is a deliberate strategy to test South Africa’s progression against a side currently ranked fifth in the world.
"We opted for continuity as we have good momentum from the last couple of matches on tour, hence the call to stay with the same group of players," Johannes-Haupt explained.
"Anacadia could unfortunately not travel to Europe, but we are happy to have her back, while we also want to bring Insaaf closer to the action and tap into her skill set. Ireland are not the fifth-ranked team in the world for nothing – they will really test us."
While Ireland present one of the sternest tactical challenges on the international calendar, the Springbok Women hold a distinct psychological trump card: Athlone Stadium. The Cape Town venue has transformed into a feared fortress for visiting nations.
It was on this very pitch that South Africa produced one of the greatest home results in recent history – a seven-try, 41-24 demolition of the Black Ferns XV driven by a ruthless scrum and a smothering rush defence. That landmark victory proved that when the Bok Women play at Athlone, world rugby’s traditional powers can be brought to their knees.
"We are pleased with how the season has progressed and want to finish it strong at home," said Johannes-Haupt. "Athlone Stadium has been a happy hunting ground for us in recent years and it is a perfect setting for us to close out the season."
With invited training players Aisha Camara and Anothando Katshwa joining the camp to bolster preparation intensity, the Springbok Women are treating the Ireland series as the final, definitive benchmark of their 2026 evolution.
Springbok Women's squad for Ireland Tests:
Forwards
Aseza Hele, Logan Welman, Lerato Makua, Sizophila Solontsi, Catha Jacobs, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Sinelitha Noxeke, Nomsa Mokwai, Danelle Lochner, Vainah Ubisi, Babalwa Latsha (captain), Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Yonela Ngxingolo, Sanelisiwe Charlie, Anushka Groenewald, Lindelwa Gwala, Micke Gunter.
Backs
Jakkie Cilliers, Alichia Arries, Patience Mokone, Maria Tshiremba, Maceala Samboya, Naima Hlatshwayo, Shiniqwa Lamprecht, Byrhandré Dolf, Mary Zulu, Unam Tose, Anacadia Minnaar, Insaaf Levy.