Ireland boss Scott Bemand says his squad has what it takes to win a series against South Africa, and the Springbok Women are the ones standing in the way.
South Africa's Springbok Women are about to find out how much Ireland want a place in the record books. Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has said his side is ready to claim a first-ever series win over the Springboks, and he isn't hiding the ambition.
Bemand says the group "have it in us" to get the job done. He describes the challenge as a "second ascent", the idea that a team that has already climbed once must find the energy and hunger to go up again. For Ireland, that means turning past progress into a new landmark.
The message to the squad is about belief and preparation. Bemand wants his players to treat the series as a chance to make history rather than a burden, and he is pushing for the focus and composure needed to win across more than one match.
For South Africa, the visitors' confidence is a challenge. The Springbok Women will want to show they can stop Ireland and protect their own standing, and a series like this tests depth, discipline and nerve from the first whistle to the last. Africa's rugby fans will be watching to see if the Springboks can answer Ireland's big talk on the pitch.
