The Springbok Women ended their WXV Global Series tour with a second victory after beating Spain 20-0 in Seville on 4 October, setting up a two-Test home series against Ireland later this month.
South Africa scored three tries in a dominant performance, securing a clean sheet against Spain and building momentum after a difficult start to the competition.
Catha Jacobs opened the scoring after 14 minutes, with Jakkie Cilliers converting before adding a penalty shortly after the half-hour mark.
Aseza Hele crossed early in the second half to extend South Africa’s advantage. Cilliers completed the scoring by scoring the Springbok Women’s third try in the 67th minute.
The result was described as a flawless 20-0 victory by the South Africa Rugby website.
South Africa’s WXV campaign began with a heavy defeat by Wales in Cardiff on 18 September. Wales scored eight tries to South Africa’s three, with Sisilia Tuipulotu heavily involved, according to Rugby365.
The Springbok Women’s task became more difficult when Danelle Lochner was sent off for a high tackle. Wales led 31-5 at half-time and, although South Africa reduced the deficit after the interval, they were unable to mount a serious challenge.
Wales completed a 50-19 victory, recording their first win in more than a year.
South Africa responded in Pordenone on 26 September, beating Italy 41-29 in a closely contested match.
The Springbok Women produced more effective set-piece play against Italy, although errors continued to undermine their performance. Their physicality and decision-making helped them take a 12-point lead into half-time.
Italy responded after the break, making the most of a yellow card shown to Yonela Ngxingolo to score twice. The hosts then moved in front during the final quarter before Micke Gunter scored a decisive try to secure the South African win.
The Springbok Women will now host Ireland in Cape Town on 24 and 31 October. Both Tests will begin at 15:00 at Athlone Stadium.
Ireland are fifth in the World Rugby rankings, while South Africa are 10th, making the two matches a significant test for the hosts.
The teams have met only once previously. That fixture came at the 2006 World Cup in Canada, where South Africa were eliminated after losing all three of their pool matches.
One of those defeats was a 37-0 loss to Ireland.
