- Yonela Ngxingolo becomes only the second Springbok Women's player to reach 50 Test caps, following Nolusindiso Booi in 2025
- South Africa could climb to their highest-ever world ranking of eighth with a win over Ireland on Saturday
- The two sides have met only once before — a 37-0 Ireland victory at the 2006 Women's Rugby World Cup in Canada
Source: UGC
The Springbok Women want to continue their rise in international rugby when they face Ireland in the WXV Global Series at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday, 24 October 2026. For experienced prop Yonela Ngxingolo, the match carries additional significance as she prepares to earn her 50th Test cap for South Africa.
The 28-year-old will lead the team onto the field before making an impact from the bench. She will become only the second Springbok Women’s player to reach the milestone, following Nolusindiso Booi, who achieved the feat in 2025.
Ngxingolo backs Springbok Women against Ireland
SA Rugby reports that Ngxingolo acknowledged that Ireland would enter the match as favourites because of their higher world ranking. However, she believes South Africa's home advantage and recent performances on tour could make a difference.
“They do start as favourites as they are ranked better than us, but we are playing at home and we are in good form following our recent tour to Europe,” she said after the team's captain's run.
She added:
“The 50th cap is already a very special moment for me, but to add a win to that, especially against such an esteemed team as Ireland, will be even better.”
From early struggles to international progress
Ngxingolo made her Test debut against Wales in Cardiff in 2018. Reflecting on the team's development since then, she said the players had grown considerably.
“We were kids then – I was only 20 and we did not quite have what was needed to be successful at that level,” she said.
“But every year, especially after the Covid years, our growth has been visible and tangible. We are on the rise and determined to continue doing that.”
The prop also highlighted the importance of trust and preparation ahead of the encounter, saying the squad had trained well and had clear plans to execute.
Source: Twitter
Springbok Women eye world ranking boost
South Africa could climb to eighth in the world rankings if they beat Ireland and Scotland, and Italy loses its match against Australia, for a second successive weekend.
The fixture also marks Ireland's first visit to South Africa for a Test against the Springbok Women. They last met at the 2006 Women's Rugby World Cup in Canada, where Ireland won 37-0.
Ngxingolo will hope to change that history on home soil. The match kicks off at 15:00 at Athlone Stadium, with Australian referee Jess Ling in charge and Zimbabwe's Precious Pazani serving as an assistant referee.
For South Africa, the occasion offers a chance to measure their progress against a new opponent while pursuing another key result in their international campaign.
Springbok Women secure commanding victory over Spain ahead of Ireland clash
Briefly News previously reported that the Springbok Women concluded their European WXV Global Series tour with a convincing 20-0 victory over Spain in Seville on 4 October 2026.
The result marked South Africa's second win of the tour, although injuries to two key front-row players raised concerns ahead of their home fixtures against Ireland. Co-head coach Franzel September praised the team's discipline and determination in difficult conditions, highlighting an aspect of their performance that could prove crucial in the upcoming Tests.
Source: Briefly News
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