Springbok Women reach record ninth ranking before Ireland rematch

The Springbok Women go into Saturday’s rematch with Ireland at a career high in the World Rugby rankings. World Rugby confirmed on Monday that South Africa has moved up to ninth, the team’s best position yet, according to IOL.

The ranking follows a 2026 season in which the side has won eight of its 12 Tests. The team marked the milestone quietly at its Cape Town training base, but the focus is on making up for last weekend’s 40-27 defeat to fifth-ranked Ireland.

Arries scores late try at Athlone

Winger Alichia Arries, 24, scored in the 79th minute of the five-try match, finishing in the corner after a cross-kick from Mary Zulu. It was her sixth Test try. Her family was in the crowd, and she said it was the first time they had seen her play for the Springbok Women.

“That was pretty special,” Arries said. She explained that the team spotted the open space as the game went on, and she simply had to collect the kick and get over the line.

The Western Province player has featured in 11 of South Africa’s 12 Tests this year. Her long-range try against the USA at Loftus Versfeld earlier in the season drew international praise.

Fixing the errors

The squad spent Monday reviewing the match and looking at what went wrong after Ireland pulled away in the second half. Arries was open about the problems. “We were poor at times,” she said, pointing to handling mistakes and weak first-time tackling at key moments. She also said Ireland’s kicking game left South Africa scrambling.

She added that the team can adapt for the second Test now that it has faced the Irish once. “Every team we play against has something different,” she said.

What happens next

Co-head coaches Franzel September and Laurian Johannes-Haupt will finalise their tactical changes before naming the matchday 23 on Thursday. The rematch is on Saturday at Athlone Stadium.

Arries said the crowds at the ground have been “amazing” in their support of the team. She hopes supporters will turn out again as the Springbok Women try to finish the year on a high.

This story is based on reporting by IOL.