The Springbok Women face Ireland in a second consecutive WXV Global Series Test at Athlone Stadium on Saturday, with captain Sizophila Solontsi leading a changed starting side determined to reverse last weekend's 40-27 defeat at the same venue.
Solontsi acknowledged the week brought frustration — having to sit with a correctable loss for seven days — but said that time was used productively. The penalty count was a key focus, with the Boks conceding 13 to Ireland's eight in the first Test. Solontsi is adamant that discipline will be sharper. Beyond the penalty count, Solontsi said the squad identified too many unforced errors as the primary cause of their own undoing.
"Part of the frustration was that we knew we had let ourselves down," Solontsi said. "We did not use the first opportunity as we should."
She added that the corrections were clear-cut — "an easy fix" — but that preparations extended beyond addressing errors to reviewing every area of their game. Ireland have made only one change to their starting line-up, while the Boks carry several.
The stakes carry significant ranking implications. A South Africa win would deliver the first Test victory over Ireland in the two nations' history and lift the Boks to a new high of eighth in the world rankings, moving them above Italy. Defeat drops them back to 10th.
Two milestones are on the cards on Saturday: prop Yonela Nxgingolo plays her 51st Test to become the most capped Springbok Women prop in history, while hooker Lindelwa Gwala extends her own record to 45 caps. Jakkie Cilliers leads the team's scoring charts this year with 77 points.
Solontsi also noted the importance of Athlone Stadium's home support, referencing the crowd that turned out last weekend despite the Stormers playing concurrently.
Kick-off on Saturday is at 15h00. The match is televised on SuperSport and streamed live on the SA Rugby YouTube Channel. Referee Jess Ling of Australia officiates.