women
international women
Springbok Women wing Alichia Aries has promised fans a better performance when her team face off Ireland for the second time this Saturday.
Ireland cruised to a 40-27 victory in Cape Town at the weekend as both teams went on their way WXV Global Series campaigns.
Scott Bemand’s side controlled most of the contest, trailing just nine minutes into the game. Individual mistakes from South Africa and Dannah O’Brien’s astute footwork added to Ireland’s dominance.
Aries scored late on at the Athlone Stadium, but her effort proved to be little more than a consolation.
“We were bad at times, the handling let us down and even the first tackle wasn’t great at key moments,” Aries said.
“Ireland also had some very good footwork which we struggled a bit at times. But that was last weekend. Come Saturday we promise a better display.”
The Springbok women enjoyed strong support on their return to home soil, with a throng of fans turning out at Athlone Stadium.
It’s been a month since their previous home match, a 52-20 loss to the Black Ferns, and Aries will be hoping the fans will be back for Saturday’s return.
“There is something about playing in Athlone. The crowd is just amazing and they support the Springbok Women so much,” said the 24-year-old.
“That’s one of the reasons why we all want to go out there this weekend and redeem ourselves by overturning the result against Ireland.
“We can only hope and look for them to come out again this weekend. We are determined to put on a real show.”
Aries will have her 12th Test on Saturday in 2026. She won the 13th cap of her career in last weekend’s loss, which was a particularly special occasion as it was her daughter’s first time watching her play.
The scoring made the occasion even more memorable and her daughter will be back in the stands this weekend as the Springbok Women look to end the year with a win.
“The year was productive. The coaches show confidence in me, and I try to reward them for that,” she said.
“Every team we play has something different and now that we’ve played Ireland I believe we can adapt for the second Test.
“With my daughter and the rest of the family among all those amazing fans at Athlone Stadium, we hope to end the year on the best possible note.”