Ngxingolo: Bok Women determined to continue improvement

The Springbok Women are well aware of their potential and how continued exposure to playing the best teams in the world are elevating them to new heights, both in performance and the official world rankings.

To be a part of the recent growth – given her experience of the earlier struggles of the team – Yonela Ngxingolo feels humbled and honoured to play in her 50th Test for South Africa when they face Ireland in the WXV Global Series at Athlone Stadium on Saturday but the experienced prop is also determined to celebrate the moment with another win for her side.

To celebrate this milestone, Ngxingolo - only the second player to reach 50 caps after Nolusindiso Booi in 2025 – will lead the Bok Women onto the field, before delivering impact off the bench in what will be the time all 46 players from both countries meet on a rugby field.

The only previous encounter between the sides was in 2006 when Ireland won 37-0 in a pool match at the 2006 Women's Rugby World Cup in Canada.

At the time, the Springbok Women were in their third year of rugby, and the result would not have been a surprise, but 20 years later, predicting the winner is not such a forgone conclusion.

In fact, the South Africans can reach their best world ranking of ninth and could even finish the weekend on eighth, if they beat the Irish, who will play in South Africa for the first time.

“They do start as favourites as they are ranked better than us, but we are playing at home and we are in good form following our recent tour to Europe,” the 28-year-old Ngxingolo said after the Bok Women completed their preparations with the traditional captain’s run.

“We have seen how they play and they have watched us play but tomorrow they will feel us for the first time. We love playing at Athlone Stadium and we know what we are playing for.

“The 50th cap is already a very special moment for me but to add a win to that, especially against such an esteemed team like Ireland, will be even better.”

Ngxingolo, who made her debut against Wales in Cardiff in 2018, said they had come a long way in the last eight years.

“We were kids then – I was only 20 and we did not quite have what was needed to be successful at that level,” she said.

“But every year, especially post the Covid-years, our growth has been visible and tangible. We are on the rise and determined to continue doing that.”

Ngxingolo has faced Spain in eight Tests, while she has also played against Kenya, Italy, Scotland, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, USA, Fiji, Samoa, France, Wales and Uganda several times. Tests against Cameroon, Australia, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Namibia and England also are part of her illustrious career.

“Obviously one wants to achieve milestones in front of your family and those who supported you throughout your career, so to be able to play in South Africa and getting to 50 is a blessing,” she said.

“Also, I like this venue, last year I scored a try against the Black Ferns XV and looking at that spot now, I still recall every second of it,” she smiled as she looked towards the north stand.

“That try and the win over Italy last year that qualified us for the quarter-finals of the 2025 World Cup remain my best memories of many.”

Ngxingolo backed her teammates for a good performance: “We are really coming together as a team. We trained well, we have plans to execute and most importantly, we trust each other on the field. Yes, facing Ireland will be a massive occasion but we will be ready.”

Springbok Women starting XV: 15 Jakkie Cilliers, 14 Alichia Arries, 13 Maceala Samboya, 12 Shiniqwa Lamprecht, 11 Maria Tshiremba; 10 Byrhandré Dolf, 9 Unam Tose; 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Lerato Makua, 6 Sizophila Solontsi (capt); 5 Catha Jacobs, 4 Vainah Ubisi; 3 Xoliswa Khuzwayo, 2 Anushka Groenewald, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie. Replacements: 16 Lindelwa Gwala, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Thandile Mazwi, 19 Danelle Lochner, 20 Logan Welman, 21 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 22 Anacadia Minnaar, 23 Mary Zulu.

Ireland Women starting XV: 15 Stacey Flood, 14 Béibhinn Parsons, 13 Anna McGann, 12 Aoife Dalton, 11 Robyn O'Connor; 10 Dannah O’Brien, 9 Emily Lane; 8 Brittany Hogan, 7 Erin King (capt), 6 Fiona Tuite-O'Sullivan; 5 Dorothy Wall, 4 Jane Clohessy; 3 Eilís Cahill, 2 Neve Jones, 1 Linda Djougang. Replacements: 16 Beth Buttimer, 17 Niamh O’Dowd, 18 Sadhbh McGrath, 19 Kate Jordan, 20 Grace Moore, 21 Jemima Adams Verling, 22 Aoibheann Reilly, 23 Eve Higgins.

South Africa v Ireland @ Athlone Stadium, Cape Town (3pm)

Referee: Jess Ling (RA)

Assistant Referees: Precious Pazani (ZRU), Giana Viljoen

Television Match Official: Matteo Liperini (FIR)

Split Screen/FPRO: Quinton Immelman (SARU)