The Springbok Women have one hand on the Ubuntu-Bula Trophy and will be eager to get the other firmly around it when they face Fijiana XV in the second Test on Saturday.
South Africa sent a nine-try warning shot across the Pacific in Suva last weekend, powering to a 55-12 victory built on a scrum that buckled Fiji, a lineout that clicked like clockwork and a maul that rolled with the subtlety of a runaway freight train.
Now comes the tricky part: doing it again.
Fiji will have home support behind them and plenty to prove after being outmuscled for large periods of the opening Test. Their recipe for redemption starts with an electric opening quarter, physical defence and enough disruption to knock the Springbok Women out of their rhythm.
South Africa, meanwhile, have strengthened the engine room with the return of captain Babalwa Latsha at tighthead prop.
The experienced front-rower missed the first Test, but her return gives the pack another heavyweight punch and adds composure to a forward unit that already dominated the first encounter.
“We saw what worked for us last weekend, but we also want to try new things, and Babalwa’s experience and calmness will make that possible,” assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt said.
“It is great to have her back, while we must also acknowledge the leadership group and how they back the coaches and their plans.”
The #BokWomen team for Saturday's second Test against Fiji show a few minor tweaks – more here: https://t.co/UeWy8etPJB 🔁
Stream all the action live on DSTv 👍#BackHer pic.twitter.com/LCnyJWbStf— SA Women's Rugby (@WomenBoks) August 12, 2026
Johannes-Haupt also expects Maria Tshiremba to bring a bolt of Sevens electricity to the XVs arena.
The speedster, who has scored 64 tries in 20 tournaments for the Springbok Women’s Sevens team, will make her Test debut on the wing and become the 195th capped Springbok Women player.
“We can’t wait to see her go. With her great speed and how we hope to execute on the weekend, Maria will have an important role to play,” Johannes-Haupt said.
The midfield also gets a fresh look with Zintle Mpupha and Maceala Samboya combining, while the coaching staff have deliberately widened their tactical toolbox.
“Shiniqwa gives us that option of going with a split of six forwards and two backs on the bench, but obviously she can also play in the centres, where she did very well last weekend on debut. We will see how the match develops and what we need to do, if anything, when we activate our bench.”
For Fiji, the mountain is steep. For South Africa, complacency would be the slippery slope.
With the Ubuntu-Bula Trophy within reach, the Springbok Women have an opportunity to turn a commanding first chapter into a clean sweep.
Teams
Fiji: 15 Litiana Vueti, 14 Adi Vanie Buleki, 13 Merewairita Neivoha, 12 Ruth Raketekete, 11 Repeka Tove, 10 Varanisese Qoro, 9 Kolora Lomani (captain), 8 Alfreda Fisher, 7 Adi Salaseini Railumu, 6 Nunia Daunimoala, 5 Karavaki Lutumaibau, 4 Mereoni Nakesa, 3 Tiana Robanakadavu, 2 Bitila Tawake, 1 Karalaini Naisewa. Replacements: 16 Selai Naliva, 17 Elesi Saukuru, 18 Keri Lawavou, 19 Vilisi Tivalele, 20 Jade Coates, 21 Evivi Senikarivi, 22 Ivamere Nabura, 23 Aqela Raitubu.
South Africa: 15 Byrhandré Dolf, 14 Maceala Samboya, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Shiniqwa Lamprecht, 11 Patience Mokone, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg (captain), 9 Anacadia Minnaar, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Lerato Makua, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Nomsa Mokwai, 4 Vainah Ubisi, 3 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Xoliswa Khuzwayo. Replacements: 16 Anushka Groenewald, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Thandile Mazwi, 19 Catha Jacobs, 20 Sinelitha Noxeke, 21 Nobuhle Mjwara, 22 Felicia Jacobs, 23 Alichia Arries.
Date: Saturday, August 15
Venue: Churchill Park, Lautoka
Kick-off: 15.00 (03.00 SAST;01.00 GMT)
Referee: Amber McLachlan (Australia)
Assistant referees: Jess Ling (Australia), Chloe Sampson (New Zealand)
TMO: Rachel Horton (Australia)
