The Springbok Women completed their first training session on Welsh soil on Monday, a day after arriving in Cardiff for Friday's WXV Global Series opener against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park.
Co-coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt described the session as productive despite some players still carrying fatigue from the long-haul flight via Dubai. "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," she said. "We brought some match simulation into the session as well and everybody understands their roles."
Wind and rain interrupted parts of the session, but Johannes-Haupt was relaxed about the conditions. "Look, there is nothing you can do about the weather and it is going to be like this for the rest of the week, so the earlier we adapt the better."
South Africa last faced Wales in 2021 and have not beaten them since 2010, a record that sharpens the stakes for Friday's match. Johannes-Haupt flagged the tactical battle up front as a key theme. "Wales is also a forward-dominating team, like us, so it will be an interesting match-up."
The squad departed Cape Town with a late personnel change — Anacadia Minnaar was unable to travel and was replaced by Felicia Jacobs, who toured with the group to Fiji last month. Jacobs made her Test debut against Wales in Cardiff in 2019 and Johannes-Haupt expressed confidence she would slot in seamlessly.
The team to face Wales will be named on Wednesday.