women
international women
There was only one emotion the Springbok women felt at the end of their 50-19 loss to Wales: frustration.
Their first WXV Global Series The 2026 match couldn’t have gone any worse.
After winning the Test series against Fijiana, the series draw with USA Women’s Eagles and a promising performance against the Black Ferns in Soweto, there was hope for that South Africa will set the world on fire.
Sean Lynn’s Wales he did not give an inch to South Africa. They had no answer for the physical form of the opponent and limited the guests’ ability to influence.
Maceala Samboya’s stunning 59th minute strike was the highlight of an otherwise miserable night in South Wales.
“We didn’t play to our potential and it was frustrating – in fact I was quite angry after the game,” said Maria Tshiremba.
Last week in Cardiff, the Springbok Women were well beaten by Wales. They had no answer for Wales’ physicality or their expansive, multi-phase attack.
The Springboks’ time in Europe offers more opportunities for the world number 10 team to get back to winning ways. This will include a Test with Italy this weekend, before a trip to Seville to play Spain’s Las Leonas.
Ahead of Saturday’s match, Junior Springbok assistant coach Melusi Mthethwa joined the team to assist co-coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September. Dave Wessels, SA Rugby’s general manager of high performance, will also join the squad this week.
This weekend they face Italy a team that impressed in its first game with Plinio Sciamanna as head coach. The Blue scored nine tries to win Japan 55-21 and get the home crowd excited for the start of a new era.
“We have to make amends and make a statement on this tour and this weekend is that opportunity,” said Ayanda Malinga.
The last time the Springbok Women met Italy, it was at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. To say there were mixed emotions at Franklin’s Gardens at full-time would be an understatement.
By the end of their Pool D clash, the Springbok Women had won 29-24 to progress to the quarter-final stage of the competition. Conversely, a second defeat of the tournament meant the Italians were returning home.
“That game will be remembered forever, it was a special performance,” Malinga said.
“However, we went into this week with a different mindset and feeling after the loss, which has stuck.
“Today’s session encouraged us again, we did a good job with a lot of clarity on how we can beat Italy.”
