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    Springbok Women Turn to Italy After WXV Global Series Opening Defeat in Cardiff

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    Poor discipline and execution were huge factors in an uncharacteristically sloppy first half by the Springbok Women against Wales, which added significantly to their 50-19 defeat at the Cardiff Arms Park in Cardiff, Wales on Friday, 18 September 2026.

    That was the verdict of Springbok Women co-coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt and captain Babalwa Latsha after the opening match of their WXV Global Series tour to Europe.

    The Springbok Women conceded two yellow cards in the first 40 minutes, first when Lindelwa Gwala was sent to the bin for a cynical offence and soon after when Danelle Lochner was yellow carded for a high tackle, with the South African side going into halftime trailing 38-5.

    Lochner’s card was upgraded to a red and the visitors had to play against the rampant home side with 14 players for 20 minutes.

    “We did ourselves no favours with our discipline.” 

    Springbok Women Co-Coach, Laurian Johannes-Haupt

    “Wales really came hard at us in that first half and our response was not good enough. We conceded too many penalties and those two cards really cost us. Obviously, we did not prepare to play like that, so it was a huge disappointment for all of us, as we let ourselves down. That is not our standard and that is not the team we are.”

    Johannes-Haupt said they were not surprised by the way the Welsh played in the first half, so the poor discipline was not in reaction to something unexpected.

    “They came out playing exactly as we expected, so our efforts to combat that was disappointing. We will have a hard look at our efforts today and why we came up short and then start our focus on Italy, our next opponent.”

    Latsha said Wales deserved the win, as they were more clinical in their execution.

    “We did play much better in the second half, with the difference being that we finished off much better.”

    Springbok Women Captain, Babalwa Latsha

    “We had many chances, I think we were held up three times over the line. We are better than this performance. But that is rugby,” Latsha said.

    “The Global Series showed its value tonight, top sides taking on each other and there is no definite winner when you kick off. We are disappointed about the result, but I know we will come back stronger.”

    Latsha said this result will not define the team.

    “The home and away aspect of this WXV brings a different challenge every week and tonight we were not good enough against a Welsh side that outplayed us. Next up is Italy and that is another opportunity for us to redeem this performance.”

    The Springbok Women will travel to Italy on Sunday, 20 September to start preparing for the Test match against their hosts at the Stadio Omero Tognon in Pordenone on Saturday, 26 September.

    Lochner will have a hearing on Monday, 21 September for the red card.

    The Springbok Women WXV Global Series European Tour from 18 September to 4 October 2026

    Fri 18 Sept: Wales 50-19 South Africa (Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff)
    Sat 26 Sept: Italy vs. South Africa (Stadio Omero Tognon, Pordenone)
    Sun 4 Oct: Spain vs. South Africa (Estadio Olímpico de la Cartuja, Seville)

    Springbok Women WXV Global Series Matchday Squad

    15 Byrhandré Dolf
    14 Maria Tshiremba
    13 Maceala Samboya
    12 Aphiwe Ngwevu
    11 Ayanda Malinga
    10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg
    9 Felicia Jacobs
    8 Logan Welman
    7 Catha Jacobs
    6 Sizophila Solontsi
    5 Danelle Lochner
    4 Vainah Ubisi
    3 Babalwa Latsha (Captain)
    2 Lindelwa Gwala
    1 Sanelisiwe Charlie

    Replacements

    16 Micke Gunter
    17 Xoliswa Khuzwayo
    18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki
    19 Nomsa Mokwai
    20 Aseza Hele
    21 Sinelitha Noxeke
    22 Jakkie Cilliers
    23 Patience Mokone

    Wales Women WXV Global Series Matchday Squad

    1 Maisie Davies
    2 Kelsey Jones
    3 Sisilia Tuipulotu
    4 Branwen Metcalfe
    5 Georgia Evans
    6 Kate Williams (Co-Captain)
    7 Alex Callender (Co-Captain)
    8 Bryonie King
    9 Seren Lockwood
    10 Keira Bevan
    11 Amy Williams
    12 Freya Bell
    13 Courtney Keight
    14 Seren Singleton
    15 Lisa Neumann

    Replacements

    16 Shanelle Williams
    17 Gwenllian Pyrs
    18 Elan Jones
    19 Gwen Crabb
    20 Jorja Aiono
    21 Alisha Joyce
    22 Lleucu George
    23 Jenna De Vera

    Original Copy: SA Rugby Communications, with editing by gsport

    Main Photo Caption: The Springbok Women reflect on a difficult opening night of their WXV Global Series tour, with co-coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt and captain Babalwa Latsha both pointing to discipline and execution as the areas that cost the side most, and both looking ahead to Italy as the chance to respond, after the defeat to Wales at the Cardiff Arms Park in Cardiff, Wales on Friday, 18 September 2026. Photo: SA Rugby / Gallo Images 

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