Babalwa Latsha, Lindelwa Gwala, Aseza Hele and Felicia Jacobs all carry memories of a 19-5 defeat at Cardiff Arms Park in November 2018 — and all four are determined to replace them with a win when the Springbok Women face Wales at the same venue on Friday night.
It will be the first meeting between the two nations since a 29-19 Wales victory in 2021, a result that still sits uneasily with the players who featured that day.
"A lot of things happened on that day and we were outplayed," said Latsha, who started the 2018 Test. "A lot has since happened and our development from that day has gone a long way. I honestly believe we now have the team to beat Wales at home."
Hele, reflecting on a debut that came in the cycle following the 2014 World Cup, acknowledged the squad was not equipped for what they faced. "Look at us now — we will be going toe to toe with them. Like us, they are very physical and I expect this one to be very much won and lost up front. We will be ready this time."
Gwala, now the most capped Springbok Women's hooker of all time, also featured in the 2021 loss and draws a clear line between then and now. "That effort was much better, but still not good enough. I am confident we have the experience and know-how this time around to secure the win."
South Africa arrive ranked 10th in the world, with Wales sitting 13th — a reversal of the dynamic that defined those earlier encounters. Jacobs, whose 2018 debut saw the scrumhalf used on the wing off the bench, says the experience has sharpened rather than scarred her. "This time around, being more settled in the squad and having played as recently as the Tests in Fiji, I have much more confidence about coming to Cardiff."
The squad completed a strong training session at Cardiff Metropolitan University on Tuesday in preparation for Friday's Test.