Fiji Women v South Africa Women - teams and prediction

PREVIEW: The Springbok Women will be determined to secure the Ubuntu-Bula Trophy when they face Fijiana XV in the second Test at Churchill Park on Saturday.

South Africa made a powerful start to the historic tour, cruising to an impressive 55-12 victory over Fiji in the opening Test in Suva. The Springbok Women crossed for nine tries and dominated large periods of the contest.

Their impressive scrum, lineout and maul provided a strong platform for the commanding victory, but South Africa know they cannot afford to take their foot off the accelerator in the second Test.

For Fiji, the challenge is straightforward: produce a much-improved performance and bounce back in front of their home supporters.

Fijiana XV will need to make a strong start and prevent South Africa from gaining early control. Physicality will be crucial, while disrupting the Springbok Women’s rhythm will be high on Fiji’s agenda.

However, that will be easier said than done, with South Africa receiving a major boost through the return of captain Babalwa Latsha.

The prop missed last weekend’s victory in Suva but returns to the starting XV at tighthead prop in one of six changes to the team.

The Springbok captain replaces Nombuyekezo Mdliki, who moves to the bench, while Catha Jacobs comes into the starting line-up at flank in place of Lerato Makua, who suffered a knee injury in the first Test.

There are also four changes among the backs, including a new centre combination of Zintle Mpupha and Maceala Samboya.

Maria Tshiremba will make her Test debut on the wing, while Alichia Arries swaps places with Patience Mokone, who is named among the replacements.

Tshiremba will become the 195th capped player in Springbok Women history.

The speedster has scored 64 tries in the 20 tournaments she has played for the Springbok Women’s Sevens team and now gets her opportunity to make the transition to the international XVs game.

Catching up with the Springbok Women 🤝🏾🏉

Great having the South African national women’s team train at the Drua base as they prepare for their second Test against the Vodafone Fijiana XV.

It’s been a busy week at our base, with both teams putting in the work ahead of another… pic.twitter.com/9lZPKjcFa3

— Fijian Drua (@Fijian_Drua) August 13, 2026

Bok Women assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt said the selections and changes were made with building depth in mind, as well as expanding options within the team, which is why they decided on the new midfield combination and to give Tshiremba a first start.

“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,” said Johannes-Haupt, who added that they have the option to use Shanique Lamprecht among the loose forwards as a replacement without elaborating too much on their tactics with the bench players.

“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.”

Johannes-Haupt believes Latsha’s return will strengthen South Africa’s forward pack and assist the team in their objective of dominating the battle up front.

“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.

“It is great to have her back, while we must also acknowledge the leadership group and how they back the coaches and their plans.”

Prediction

Rugby365: Springbok Women by 20 points or more

Teams: 

Fiji: TBC

South Africa Women: 15 Byrhandré Dolf, 14 Alichia Arries, 13 Maceala Samboya, 12 Zintle Mpupha, 11 Maria Tshiremba, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Anacadia Minnaar, 8 Aseza Hele,
7 Catha Jacobs, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Nomsa Mokwai, 4 Vainah Ubisi, 3 Babalwa Latsha (captain), 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Xoliswa Khuzwayo
Replacements: 16 Anushka Groenewald, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Sinelitha Noxeke, 20 Nobuhle Mjwara, 21 Shiniqwa Lamprecht, 22 Felicia Jacobs, 23 Patience Mokone

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)

*Additional source: SA Rugby