Springbok Women look to bounce back against Italy

The Springbok Women will be looking to put their disappointing opening result behind them when they take on Italy in the WXV Global Series on Saturday.

South Africa’s European campaign got off to a difficult start last weekend as they suffered a 50–19 defeat to Wales in Cardiff. The result was a tough one for a side that had shown encouraging form earlier in the year, but attention has quickly shifted to the next challenge.

Saturday’s match gives South Africa an opportunity to respond on the field and show the character that has been a feature of their recent progress. The team had reached the quarter-finals of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup for the first time and entered the WXV Global Series having recorded six wins from eight Tests in 2026.

Italy will also enter the match with confidence after opening their campaign with a convincing 55–21 victory over Japan. Their squad includes a mixture of experienced players and newcomers, making them a difficult side for South Africa to overlook.

There is also recent history between the two teams. South Africa defeated Italy at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

With Italy waiting in Pordenone, South Africa will have to bring greater discipline, composure and intensity if they are to get their WXV campaign back on track.

Head-to-head: Springbok Women v Italy

25/11/2018: Lost 10-35, Prato

20/10/2023: Lost 36-18, Cape Town

12/10/2024: Lost 23-10, Cape Town

31/08/2025: Won 29-24, York (2025 Women's World Cup)

Match details: Italy v South Africa

Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026

Venue: Stadio Omero Tognon, Pordenone

Kick-off: 14h30 (local and SA time)

TV: SuperSport

Writer: Jabulile Mabena

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