The Springbok Women have climbed to ninth in the World Rugby rankings, their highest position in history, following a Monday update that confirmed another milestone in what has been a standout 2026 season. South Africa first broke into the top 10 a year ago; the latest rise takes them one step further.
The squad has won eight of 12 Tests in 2026 and has one fixture remaining — a second Test against Ireland at Athlone Stadium this weekend — after going down 40-27 to the same opponents at that venue last Saturday.
One of the brighter moments from that defeat was Alichia Arries's 79th-minute try, her sixth in 13 Tests. The DHL Western Province wing fielded a cross kick from Mary Zulu and dotted down in front of her four-year-old daughter Tatum — the first time Arries had played for the Springbok Women with her daughter in the crowd.
"That was pretty special — it was also the first time I played for the Springbok Women in front of her," Arries said. "We identified that open space as the match progressed and when the ball was kicked in my direction, I just had to get hold of it and get it over the line."
Arries, who was involved in 11 of the 12 Tests this season after a strong return to the international set-up, said scoring at Athlone eclipsed even her earlier effort against the USA at Loftus Versfeld. "There is something about playing at Athlone — the crowds are just amazing and so, so supportive of the Springbok Women," she added.
The 24-year-old was candid about where South Africa fell short in the first Test. "We were poor at times — our handling let us down and first-time tackling was not great at crucial times. Ireland also had a very good kicking game that left us scrambling." She said the squad had completed a thorough review and was targeting a reversal this weekend. "Come Saturday we promise a better showing."