The Springbok Women team is preparing for an intense confrontation in the battle for forward dominance during the first match of the WXV Global Series against Wales, which will take place on Friday at the Cardiff Arms Park stadium.
Despite the long flight via Dubai and typical Welsh drizzle, the fighting spirit of the Springbok Women remained high during preparations for the game. This match is of great importance to South Africa, as the team aims to secure its first victory over Wales since 2010. Having only two wins in six test matches against Wales, the South Africans enter the game on foreign soil with the goal of proving their worth.
In addition to overcoming a 16-year drought against the host team, which ranks three positions below South Africa in the world rankings, this match marks an important milestone for midfielder Felicia Jacobs. She has returned to the position where she first wore the green and gold jersey, having debuted against Wales in Cardiff in 2019. Jacobs was included in the squad as a late replacement when star defensive player Anakadia Minnar could not travel from Cape Town.
Minnar's injury was the second blow to the Bok Women's defensive line after centre Zintle Mpufa had to be replaced by rising star Naimo Hlatshwayo. Assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt commented on the situation, noting: 'Felicia was part of the squad all season, so we didn't expect anything less. It's a shame that Anakadia couldn't go, but it gives Felicia an opportunity to gain more experience on the international stage, and we are happy about her participation.'
Despite the constant wind and rain at Cardiff Metropolitan University, the team began intensive match simulation training aimed at increasing tactical sharpness. Johannes-Haupt added that although the women were a bit tired after the journey, they are in excellent spirits again. He emphasized that participating in the WXV Global Series was driven by the opportunity to regularly play against the world's best teams.
The former Bok prop, who led the team alongside Fransie September after the departure of head coach Swais de Bruyn, anticipates a physically demanding clash in Cardiff. She noted that Wales is a team dominant in the forwards, just like them, which will make the match interesting. She also stated that it is important for them to assess their condition, as they consider their set-piece very dominant, and now they will be able to study this in more detail on Friday.
The South Africans enter the WXV at the start of a strong 2026 season, demonstrating impressive form despite a recent heavy loss to the Black Ferns 52-20 in Soweto. The Springbok Women intentionally tested themselves against world-class teams this year and achieved six wins in eight matches, including an undefeated run that brought them the African Women's Rugby Cup, as well as a draw in the home series with the USA and a successful tour of Fiji. Although the physical confrontation with New Zealand was a serious test, the Bok Women demonstrated the ability to push top-level teams to their limits, which gave them immense confidence before stepping onto the WXV arena. After Friday's match, the team will play away games against Italy and Spain.
