South Africa Women vs Ireland Women: Lineups, Kickoff and Series Context

Ireland leads the two-Test Cape Town series after beating South Africa 40–27 on October 24. The teams meet again on Saturday, October 31, at Athlone Sports Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. in Cape Town, South Africa Standard Time (SAST, UTC+02:00), or 1:00 p.m. UTC. This is the final match of the teams’ 2026 WXV Global Series meetings; the return Test has not yet been played, so no result is available.

Match details

• Fixture: South Africa Women vs Ireland Women
• Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
• Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. Cape Town time (SAST, UTC+02:00); 1:00 p.m. UTC
• Venue: Athlone Sports Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa
• Competition: WXV Global Series 2026
• Referee: Jess Ling

World Rugby’s match center lists the kickoff as 13:00 UTC and 15:00 local time. The fixture is the second of two consecutive weekend Tests at Athlone. For readers checking a local broadcast schedule, confirm the listing with the broadcaster in your country; kickoff times and rights can vary by market.

Official team lineups

World Rugby’s team update lists changes for both sides. South Africa makes several adjustments after the first Test, including a front-row change prompted by an injury in training. Yonela Ngxingolo starts at loose-head prop, with Lindelwa Gwala at hooker and Xoliswa Khuzwayo at tight-head. In the back row, Sizophila Solontsi captains the team alongside Catha Jacobs and Aseza Hele. Byrhandré Dolf moves to fullback, while Mary Zulu starts at fly-half.

South Africa starters: Byrhandré Dolf; Jakkie Cilliers, Maceala Samboya, Shiniqwa Lamprecht, Alichia Arries; Mary Zulu, Unam Tose; Yonela Ngxingolo, Lindelwa Gwala, Xoliswa Khuzwayo; Vainah Ubisi, Danelle Lochner; Sizophila Solontsi (captain), Catha Jacobs, Aseza Hele.

South Africa replacements: Anushka Groenewald, Anuschka Ekron, Thandile Mazwi, Nomsa Mokwai, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Lerato Makua, Insaaf Levy, Maria Tshiremba.

Ireland makes two changes to its starting backs. Niamh Gallagher comes in at fullback and Aoibheann Reilly starts at scrum-half. Emily Lane and Stacey Flood move to the bench. Captain Erin King leads an otherwise unchanged pack, with Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan at blindside flanker and Brittany Hogan at number eight.

Ireland starters: Niamh Gallagher; Béibhinn Parsons, Anna McGann, Aoife Dalton, Robyn O’Connor; Dannah O’Brien, Aoibheann Reilly; Linda Djougang, Neve Jones, Eilís Cahill; Jane Clohessy, Dorothy Wall; Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan, Erin King (captain), Brittany Hogan.

Ireland replacements: Beth Buttimer, Niamh O’Dowd, Sophie Barrett, Grace Moore, Jemima Adams Verling, Emily Lane, Eve Higgins, Stacey Flood.

These are the announced matchday selections. Late changes can still occur, so check the World Rugby team announcement or match center near kickoff for any update.

How the first Test sets up the rematch

Ireland took the opening match 40–27 at Athlone on October 24. South Africa scored first-half tries through Aseza Hele and Vainah Ubisi and stayed in the contest, but Ireland’s attack produced six tries, including two from Linda Djougang. World Rugby’s match report records the final score and key scoring moments.

The result gives Ireland a 1–0 lead in the two-match series. A second Irish win would complete a clean sweep in Cape Town; a South African victory would level the series at one win apiece. The home side’s selection changes suggest a fresh look at both the scrum and backline, while Ireland retains most of the combination that produced the opening win.

The two Tests are also a milestone: Irish Rugby described them as the first Women’s Test series between South Africa and Ireland, played on consecutive weekends in Cape Town. The teams had met once before, at the 2006 Women’s Rugby World Cup, when Ireland won 37–0. The 2026 meetings therefore offer a rare direct comparison across two tests in the same venue, with limited recovery time and a chance for coaches to adjust after seeing the first contest.

What to watch

South Africa will want a more controlled start after Ireland took early points in the first Test. The new front row and the reshuffled halfback and fullback positions will be worth watching for how quickly the home side settles into its set piece and transitions. Ireland’s two backline changes bring fresh options at the base and back of the attack while preserving its forward pack and captaincy.

For the latest score, match timeline, and any late lineup changes, use the official World Rugby match center. At the time this preview was prepared, the October 31 match was still scheduled for 15:00 SAST (13:00 UTC), and its final score had not been recorded.