Record ninth ranking fuels Springbok Women ahead of Ireland rematch
Boosted by a climb to a record-high ninth in the world rankings, the Springbok Women and winger Alichia Arries are drawing motivation from family and home support to right their defensive and handling wrongs in Saturday's Athlone rematch against Ireland.
The Springbok Women have reached an impressive ninth-place ranking in the World Rugby standings, marking the team's highest-ever global ranking after an outstanding 2026 campaign. The team secured eight victories out of 12 Tests, and this remarkable achievement has provided a boost of motivation as they prepare for Saturday's rematch against Ireland at Athlone Stadium.
The Springbok Women's triumph over Ireland has reignited their determination to redeem themselves after their recent 40-27 defeat. Among the players who stood out in the 79th-minute try scored by Alichia Arries is the 24-year-old winger, who scored her sixth Test try in front of her young daughter, Tatum. The Western Province star's performance at Athlone Stadium, supported by a passionate crowd, has been a key factor in the team's success this year.
As they scrutinize their handling errors and Ireland's tactical strategies, the Springbok Women are set to deliver a stronger performance against Ireland on Saturday, aiming to secure a win and finish the year on a high note.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
