Maria Tshiremba Hat-trick Seals Springbok Women Series Sweep in Fiji
The Springbok Women will enjoy the spoils following their hard-fought win over the Fijiana XV, knowing full well that their skill set and perseverance were under scrutiny and tested for 80 minutes at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji on Saturday, 15 August 2026.
That was the assessment from Springbok Women assistant coach Franzel September after the South Africans overhauled Fiji, who led 10-5 at the break, to win the second of two Tests by 29-22 and claim the inaugural Ubuntu-Bula Trophy.
“We wanted a clean sweep, so that was mission accomplished!”
Springbok Women Assistant Coach, Franzel September
“We expected Fiji to come back stronger in the second Test after winning 55-12 in the first and they did. This was a proper Test match.”
September said match conditions were not easy and a fired-up Fijian side, who led twice in the match, added to the challenge. However, three second-half tries by debutant wing Maria Tshiremba confirmed South Africa’s dominance.
“The players and especially the coaches were really happy for Maria – we backed her and selected her for this match and she responded so well,” said September.
“We are very proud of her. It was also pleasing that a couple of the other combinations we tried worked well. From that perspective, we learned a lot and it is always pleasing when a player rewards the faith coaches put in her.”
September said he was satisfied with the grit shown by the squad when they were put under pressure by Fiji, who were successful in their offload game.
“We were tested in different areas this time around and it was great for us as we needed to adapt and adjust our strategies. We have our DNA of first phase possession to fall back on, but we also showed other areas of strength and that was a big plus for us,” he said.
Next up will be New Zealand’s Black Ferns at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday, 5 September 2026, but September said they would apply their minds to that one once back in the country.
“We are just going to enjoy the moment and the win,” he said. “We came to win both Test matches and we did, so it was mission accomplished. The hard work was rewarded and that is pleasing.”
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The squad returns to South Africa on the evening of Monday, 17 August 2026.
The Fijiana XV vs. Springbok Women Test Series from 8 August 2026 to 15 August 2026
Saturday, 8 August: Fijiana XV 12-55 Springbok Women (HFC Bank Stadium, Suva)
Saturday, 15 August: Fijiana XV 22-29 Springbok Women (Churchill Park, Lautoka)
Second Test scorers
Fijiana XV, tries: Atelaite Buna, Adi Vani Buleki, Adi Salote Nailolo, Ivamere Rokowati
Conversion: Varanisese Qoro
Springbok Women, tries: Lindelwa Gwala, Maria Tshiremba (3), Vainah Ubisi
Conversions: Byrhandré Dolf (2)
Springbok Women Starting XV
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
*Uncapped
Fijiana Starting XV
15. Litiana Vueti
14. Adi Vani Buleki
13. Ivamere Rokowati
12. Ruth Raketekete
11. Atelaite Buna
10. Varanisese Qoro
9. Kolora Lomani (captain)
8. Adi Salaseini Railumu
7. Merewairita Neivoha
6. Nunia Daunimoala
5. Jade Coates
4. Karavaki Lutumaibau
3. Keri Lawavou
2. Bitila Tawake (vice-captain)
1. Karalaini Naisewa
Replacements
16. Selai Naliva
17. Elesi Saukuru
18. Tiana Robanakadavu
19. Vilisi Tivalele
20. Sereana Maragi*
21. Evivi Senikarivi
22. Adi Salote Nailolo
23. Vasemaca Duva
*Uncapped
Original Copy: SA Rugby Communications, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Babalwa Latsha returned to captain the side at tighthead prop, one of six changes made to the starting XV for the second Test of the tour as the Springbok Women completed a two-nil series sweep in Fiji after winning the second Test by 29-22 in Lautoka. All Photos: Gallo Images / SA Rugby
Photo 2 Caption: Maria Tshiremba marked her Springbok Women debut with three second-half tries as South Africa beat the Fijiana XV on Saturday.
Crédito: Link de origem