Ireland women’s rugby will chase a landmark series double in Cape Town on Saturday after head coach Scott Bemand named his match-day squad for the second Test against South Africa. The game follows Ireland’s impressive win over the Springbok Women at Athlone Stadium and offers another major test for a team building momentum on the international stage.
Kick-off is at 1pm Irish time, with live coverage available on the TG4 Player and App. For followers of ireland sports news, the contest is one of the key ireland rugby fixtures this weekend, with Ireland seeking to complete a memorable WXV Global Series victory.
Ireland rugby team sees two backline changes
Bemand has made two changes to the starting XV. Niamh Gallagher comes in at full-back, while Aoibheann Reilly starts at scrum-half. The remainder of the backline retains a familiar shape, with Béibhinn Parsons and Robyn O’Connor on the wings and Aoife Dalton partnering Anna McGann in midfield.
Dannah O’Brien continues at out-half, giving Ireland a settled half-back pairing alongside Reilly. The selection places emphasis on continuity while introducing fresh options in two important positions against a South African side expected to respond strongly after the opening defeat.
Unchanged pack provides platform
Ireland’s forward unit is unchanged. Linda Djougang, Neve Jones and Eilís Cahill form the front row, with Jane Clohessy and Dorothy Wall continuing in the second row.
Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan remains at blindside flanker, captain Erin King starts at openside and Brittany Hogan completes the pack at number eight. Their work at the breakdown, in the tackle area and at set piece will be central to Ireland’s hopes of controlling the match.
The bench also offers considerable experience and impact. Beth Buttimer, Niamh O’Dowd, Sophie Barrett, Grace Moore and Jemima Adams Verling provide forward cover, while Emily Lane, Eve Higgins and Stacey Flood are the backline replacements. Barrett is in line to win her second Test cap.
What to watch in the second Test
South Africa will be determined to avoid another loss on home soil, making the opening exchanges particularly important. Ireland will need to manage the physical challenge, protect possession and use its back-three pace effectively when opportunities appear.
- Full-back change: Gallagher steps into the number 15 jersey as Ireland look for composure under pressure and a strong counter-attacking option.
- Half-back balance: Reilly’s selection at scrum-half gives Ireland a new starting combination with O’Brien.
- Leadership: King continues to captain the side from openside flanker.
- Bench impact: Ireland have experienced replacements capable of changing the tempo late in the game.
Ireland women’s rugby aiming to build momentum
The fixture is more than a standalone Test. A second victory would underline the progress being made by Ireland women and provide valuable confidence as the team develops depth across the squad. It would also strengthen the significance of the opening result and give the players a chance to finish the series with authority.
For supporters following Irish sports, the match highlights the growing profile of women’s rugby in Ireland. Alongside the country’s GAA, soccer and athletics coverage, Ireland women’s rugby continues to attract attention through strong performances, emerging players and competitive international fixtures.
Read more: Ireland sports news and rugby updates from Daily Digest
Full Ireland team to face South Africa
15. Niamh Gallagher; 14. Béibhinn Parsons; 13. Anna McGann; 12. Aoife Dalton; 11. Robyn O’Connor; 10. Dannah O’Brien; 9. Aoibheann Reilly.
1. Linda Djougang; 2. Neve Jones; 3. Eilís Cahill; 4. Jane Clohessy; 5. Dorothy Wall; 6. Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan; 7. Erin King (captain); 8. Brittany Hogan.
Replacements: Beth Buttimer, Niamh O’Dowd, Sophie Barrett, Grace Moore, Jemima Adams Verling, Emily Lane, Eve Higgins and Stacey Flood.
Explore more: Irish sports headlines and national sport coverage | Latest lifestyle and community stories
When is Ireland v South Africa?
The second Test takes place in Cape Town on Saturday, with kick-off at 1pm Irish time. The match will be available live on the TG4 Player and App.
Ireland now have the opportunity to turn a strong opening performance into a historic double. The contest in Cape Town will show whether Bemand’s side can handle the response from South Africa and finish the WXV Global Series clash at the top of the momentum curve.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby