Ireland head coach Scott Bemand expressed confidence as his team prepares for a pivotal match against South Africa in the WXV Global Series. After last weekend's impressive 40-27 victory, Ireland seeks to achieve a historic feat—winning back-to-back Test matches on Springbok soil for the first time. The decisive clash is set for Saturday at 13:00 GMT in Cape Town.

Bemand emphasized the significance of their first win, stating, "That was a really important game... getting the first win on the board is a massive event." He highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum, referring to this match as their "second ascent" and a critical opportunity to secure a series win.

To bolster their chances, Bemand has made two notable changes to the lineup:

• Niamh Gallagher replaces Stacey Flood at full-back.
• Aoibheann Reilly returns at scrum-half, with Emily Lane moving to the bench.

Bemand praised both players, noting their competitive spirit and readiness for the challenge. He acknowledged the physical demands posed by South Africa, stating, "We know it's going to take an even bigger effort this week... our players did everything they needed to... to get the game flowing in the second half."

As Ireland aims to finish the year on a high note, Bemand remains optimistic about their ability to overcome the Springboks’ physicality and secure a historic series victory.