The Springbok Women opened their WXV Global Series campaign preparations at Cardiff Metropolitan University on Monday, running a productive session despite wind and rain that co-coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt expects to persist through the week.
"It was a good session and although some players were still a bit sore following the long haul flight that included a transit in Dubai, we did some good work today, with clarity the main focus," said Johannes-Haupt. "We brought some match simulation into the session as well and everybody understands their roles."
South Africa face Wales at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday in their opening WXV Global Series match — a fixture that carries a pointed historical edge. The Springbok Women have not beaten Wales since 2010, winning just two of their six meetings, and have not faced them at all since 2021.
Johannes-Haupt acknowledged the challenge ahead: "Wales is also a forward-dominating team, like us, so it will be an interesting match-up." She framed the conditions pragmatically, noting the squad trained in sunshine in Cape Town before departure and that early adaptation is the priority.
The squad travelled with a late enforced change after Anacadia Minnaar was unable to make the trip. Felicia Jacobs, who toured Fiji with the squad last month, was called in as replacement — a switch that carries a neat symmetry, given that Jacobs made her Test debut against Wales in Cardiff in 2019.
"Felicia has been part of the squad all season, so we would not have expected less. It is a pity that Anacadia could not travel, but this gives Felicia the opportunity to add more experience on the international stage," said Johannes-Haupt.
The team to face Wales will be announced on Wednesday.