The Springbok Women will be determined to continue with their improved performance cycle when they face Fiji for a second time in a week and to be able to be successful, they will need to execute a mindset of reset and go again.
That is the view of Bok Women captain Babalwa Latsha as they finished their preparations for their second Test against the Fijiana XV, this time at Churchill Park in Lautoka. The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
South Africa won the first clash by 55-12 last Saturday in Suva, but Latsha was clear about their mindset: “That result is in the past and we start afresh.”
The Springbok Women fell away in their second Test against the USA Eagles Women last month after dominating the first clash and Latsha is adamant that this can’t happen again.
“How we start is of absolute importance – we need to execute every time we are in striking distance and make sure we do not let them into the match,” she said.
“Fiji are a formidable side; they showed us what they can do with the ease they scored in the first Test. They have some heavy hitters and runners in that pack, but that is something we will be looking forward to, as we like the physical battles.”
Latsha missed the first Test and cannot wait to lead the Bok Women onto the field on Saturday: “It is always a special moment to lead this team into battle. We prepared well and are aligned on our objectives for this match. We look forward to this challenge Fiji will throw at us and want to make it a clean sweep.
“This has been a 26-women squad effort, even those who do not play this weekend had something to contribute. We are a collective and that is how we approach each game, we certainly back each and every player on the field.”
It will be a special day for Maria Tshiremba, who will make her Test debut, and Latsha said they are as excited for her as the speedster is herself.
“With regards to Maria, we cannot wait to see her play,” said Latsha. “It is always special to be part of any player’s first cap, and I can see her play many more. She must just go out there and showcase her talents, we have her back for sure.”
Latsha said they know that many people woke up early to watch them play a week ago and hope it will again be the case.
“We are very appreciative of those who will get up early to watch us play,” she said. “We appreciate your eyes on the screen and bums on the seats. We certainly play for you as well as for the Springbok badge. We will be challenged for sure, but we also play for the country and that motivates us.”
Selected stats:
- South Africa have won five of their six Tests this year, with their only defeat a 26-19 loss in the second of their two-Test series against the USA in Pretoria.
- The Springbok Women have scored 252 points in 2026, at an average of 42 per game.
- Both sides have encountered referee Amber McLachlan of Australia before, with neither being on the winning side. Fiji are yet to win with McLachlan in the middle in four matches and South Africa lost both times she was in charge – 38-15 to Scotland in 2019 and 15-6 to Japan in a RWC 2021 warm-up match.
- Yonela Ngxingolo will extend her Springbok Women record as most capped prop to 46 caps when she comes off the bench, while Lindelwa Gwala (40 caps) will extend her record as most capped hooker.
Head-to-Head: Springbok Women vs Fijiana XV
16/10/2020: SA lost 17-21 in Auckland, New Zealand (Women’s Rugby World Cup)
08/08/2026: SA won 55-12 in Suva, Fiji
Springbok Women team to face Fijiana in Lautoka:
15 Byrhandré Dolf (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 28 caps, 77 points (8 tries, 17 conversions, 1 penalty goal)
14 Alichia Arries (DHL Western Province) – 8 caps, 25 points (5 tries)
13 Maceala Samboya (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 9 caps, 25 points (5 tries)
12 Zintle Mpupha (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 30 caps, 106 points (20 tries, 3 conversions)
11 Maria Tshiremba (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – uncapped
10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 33 caps, 221 points (14 tries, 56 conversions, 12 penalty goals, 1 drop goal)
9 Anacadia Minnaar (EP Queens) – 7 caps, 3 points (1 penalty goal)
8 Aseza Hele (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 33 caps, 85 points (17 tries)
7 Catha Jacobs (Golden Lions Women) – 29 caps, 5 points (1 try)
6 Sizophila Solontsi (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 34 caps, 50 points (10 tries)
5 Nomsa Mokwai (DHL Western Province) – 18 caps, 0 points
4 Vainah Ubisi (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 25 caps, 30 points (6 tries)
3 Babalwa Latsha (captain, DHL Western Province) – 42 caps, 40 points (8 tries)
2 Lindelwa Gwala (Sharks Women) – 39 caps, 80 points (16 tries)
1 Xoliswa Khuzwayo (Golden Lions Women) – 13 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
Replacements:
16 Anushka Groenewald (DHL Western Province) – 9 caps, 0 points
17 Yonela Ngxingolo (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 45 caps, 20 points (4 tries)
18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki (Border Ladies) – 14 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
19 Sinelitha Noxeke (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 8 caps, 5 points (1 try)
20 Nobuhle Mjwara (Sharks Women) – 7 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
21 Shiniqwa Lamprecht (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 1 cap, 0 points
22 Felicia Jacobs (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 12 caps, 15 points (3 tries)
23 Patience Mokone (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 4 caps, 20 points (4 tries)
Match details – Fijiana XV v Springbok Women:
Date: 15 August 2026
Venue: Churchill Park, Lautoka
Kick-off: 13h00 (03h00 SA time)
Referee: Amber McLachlan (Australia)
Assistant referees: Jess Ling (Australia), Chloe Sampson (New Zealand)
TMO: Rachel Horton (Australia)
TV: SuperSport
Darth 44
Sport Trivia: How many drop goals were \”dropped\” in the 1999 World Cup qualifier between England and South Africa, and by whom? Answer: Jannie de Beer – 5 drops in the 1999 World Cup,against England in Paris. South Africa won the match 44 – 21.
Solo Kill
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