Italy vs South Africa WXV Preview: Springbok Women Seek Bounce-Back Win in Pordenone

PORDENONE, ITALY — Stung by a heavy defeat in Cardiff, the Springbok Women have hit the reset button ahead of Saturday’s crucial WXV Global Series clash against Italy, ringing wholesale changes and appointing two new leaders to right the ship.

When the team runs out at the Stadio Omero Tognon tomorrow, they will be led by co-captains Unam Tose and Sizophila Solontsi, marking the first time either player has captained the national side in a Test match, though Solontsi brings valuable leadership experience from her time steering the Springbok Women’s Sevens team.

Wholesale Changes and a "Bomb Squad" Approach

Following last week’s 50-19 loss to Wales, co-head coach Franzel September has completely overhauled the starting XV. The changes are part of a broader strategy to test combinations ahead of the 2028 Women’s Rugby World Cup, rather than a purely punitive reaction to the Cardiff result.

Regular captain Babalwa Latsha is one of six starters from last week who will shift to the bench, creating a formidable “Bomb Squad” dynamic to finish the game. The pack has been completely reshuffled, featuring a brand-new front row of Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Anushka Groenewald, and Yonela Ngxingolo, who will earn her 48th cap.

In the backline, only three players retained their starting spots: Maceala Samboya remains at outside centre, try-scorer Maria Tshiremba shifts to the left wing, and Byrhandré Dolf moves from fullback to flyhalf.

Seeking Redemption and Fixing Execution

For the players, tomorrow’s match is about answering their critics and executing their game plan with precision.

“We made many mistakes against Wales, and that showed in the result,” said Solontsi following the team’s captain’s run on Friday. “I am fairly confident, though, that we worked those out of our system. This match will be won by the team who wants it the most… we will leave everything out there.”

A major focus during the week has been improving attacking cohesion and ball retention. Tose, who returns at scrumhalf for her 33rd Test cap, hinted at a tactical shift that will see the backs take on more responsibility.

“We have the luxury of playing behind a great pack, which always gives us backs good forward momentum,” Tose explained. “We have been guilty in the past of not using those opportunities to the fullest, so we are looking to do that tomorrow… We need to give the forwards some returns on their efforts.”

The Italian Challenge

While South Africa holds fond memories of defeating Italy 29-24 at the 2025 Women’s World Cup, this Italian squad presents a different, highly capable threat on their home turf. Italy comes into the match riding a wave of confidence following a dominant 55-21 victory over Japan in their WXV opener.

For the Springbok Women, the objective is clear: limit unforced errors, maintain discipline, and execute when it matters. If they can channel their frustration from Cardiff into clinical execution in Pordenone, the new-look squad has every chance of securing a statement victory.