Dorothy Wall, known for her striking pink scrum cap, prepares to lead Ireland into battle against South Africa on Saturday at 14:30 BST in Cape Town, marking the beginning of their WXV Global Series.

Wall’s choice of headgear stems from a desire to avoid the painful cauliflower ear she suffered during a match against Australia in 2024. She expressed, "When I got a really bad cauliflower ear, it was the worst pain I've ever felt. I decided to wear a scrum cap and thought, 'If I'm doing it, I may as well just go pink.'"

Under the guidance of head coach Scott Bemand, Ireland's campaign has seen ups and downs, starting with a loss to the USA but recovering with a win over Japan. They aim to secure a historic victory in South Africa, a first for the team.

Wall emphasized the importance of not just winning but doing so in a manner that reflects their growth:

• Focus on defense to avoid leaking tries
• Seize scoring opportunities
• Enhance their maul strategy

She acknowledged the physicality of the South African team, highlighting their dominant scrum, yet she remains confident in Ireland's superior set piece and line-out capabilities. Wall also noted the impact of their kicking game, particularly with Dannah O'Brien.

After a successful stint in the Irish setup and with Munster, Wall transitioned to Exeter Chiefs in 2024, seeking new experiences and learning from international teammates. She stated, "Change can be a really positive thing," and looks forward to the challenges ahead.