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Springbok Women Set for Wales Test in WXV Global Series Opener

The Springbok Women will begin their WXV Global Series campaign against Wales on Friday, 18 September, with both sides looking to make a strong start to the international competition.


South Africa will take on Wales at Cardiff Arms Park, with kick-off scheduled for 20:15 South African time. The match will mark an important opportunity for the Springbok Women to build on their recent performances and continue developing their squad ahead of the next Women’s Rugby World Cup cycle.

The Springbok Women head into the encounter after a challenging Test against New Zealand earlier this month. Despite suffering a defeat, South Africa showed attacking promise by scoring four tries and will look to carry that attacking intent into Friday’s contest. Captain Babalwa Latsha will lead the side from tighthead prop, while South Africa have made several changes to their backline as the coaching staff look to provide more players with starting opportunities and build squad depth.

The starting XV includes Byrhandré Dolf, Maria Tshiremba, Maceala Samboya, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Ayanda Malinga, Libbie Janse van Rensburg and Felicia Jacobs, with Logan Welman starting at No. 8. Catha Jacobs and Sizophila Solontsi complete the loose-forward combination. A major focus will be the battle up front. Latsha expects a physical contest, with both teams traditionally placing significant emphasis on their scrums, mauls and set-piece execution. South Africa will also need to manage Wales’ kicking game and make good decisions when attempting to play from their own half.

Wales, meanwhile, will enter the match with a refreshed squad of their own. Head coach Sean Lynn has selected three uncapped players in his matchday squad, while Keira Bevan will start at fly-half for the first time for Wales. Alex Callender and Kate Williams will co-captain the side. The Welsh side features a mixture of experienced internationals and emerging talent, including 83-cap Bevan, 57-cap hooker Kelsey Jones and 48-cap lock Georgia Evans. Wales will also look to use their home advantage at Cardiff Arms Park.

For South Africa, the match represents another opportunity to measure themselves against a European opponent and build momentum in the WXV Global Series. Latsha has emphasised the importance of executing the team’s game plan and maintaining consistency throughout the contest.

The two nations have met several times previously, with their most recent encounters taking place in Cardiff. South Africa’s last victory over Wales came in 2010, while Wales won their most recent meeting in Cardiff in 2021. With both teams beginning a new chapter in the WXV Global Series, Friday’s clash promises to be a physical contest where set-piece strength, discipline, defensive organisation and attacking execution could prove decisive.

Match Details: Wales vs South Africa

Friday, 18 September 2026

Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff

20:15 SA time / 19:15 UK time

WXV Global Series

SuperSport

Writer: Jabulile Mabena

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