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Ireland beat Springbok Women 40-27 in Cape Town

Published

Ireland scored six tries to five against the Springbok Women in a WXV Global Series match at Athlone Stadium on Saturday. The two teams meet again in a second test on 31 October.

Co-head coach Franzel September said the defeat was largely due to soft moments and unforced errors. He said the team had two mauls stopped five metres from the Irish line, and he said that was not the team's normal standard.

Co-head coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt said Ireland were a bit more clinical and street smart on the day. She also said the team can fix what went wrong.

Vice-captain Unam Tose said the team disappointed a lot of people by not getting a result it is capable of. September said the team can regroup and turn the tables in the return match.

The second test is on 31 October. Kick-off is at 3pm.

Key facts

Who
Franzel September (Springbok Women co-head coach); Laurian Johannes-Haupt (Springbok Women co-head coach); Unam Tose (Springbok Women vice-captain)
What
Ireland defeated the Springbok Women 40-27 in a WXV Global Series clash at Athlone Stadium, outscoring them six tries to five. Coaches and the vice-captain said the team made unforced errors and must fix its finishing and defence before the rematch.
When
24 October 2026
Where
Cape Town, Athlone Stadium
Status
Final result

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