Aoibheann Reilly and Niamh Gallagher step into Irish side for second Springbok test

Aoibheann Reilly will start against the Springboks in Cape Town. Pic: Shaun Roy/Sportsfile

Scott Bemand believes Ireland will embrace their shot at making history when they face South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday, with the head coach making two changes for the second Test.

Ireland secured a 40-27 victory over the Springbok Women at Athlone Stadium last weekend, and another win would deliver the first back-to-back victories on South African soil by a senior Irish side.

Aoibheann Reilly replaces Emily Lane at scrum-half and Niamh Gallagher comes in at full-back for Stacey Flood.

“Completing a series win, a historic win in South Africa, that'll be a first for Irish rugby. That's massive in our minds,” said Bemand. “We wanted to come out of this competition having new caps, having got some new experiences, and ultimately some winning performances.

“We were really disappointed to let that winning margin slip in the first game against the USA, so it's going to be really important to finish with another winning performance. We've got it in us, but it's going to be a massive challenge.” 

Reilly and Lane have been competing closely for the scrum-half jersey, Lane started last weekend, but this time Reilly is handed the opportunity to make an impact from the outset.

Ireland players, from left, Béibhinn Parsons, Fiona Tuite-O'Sullivan and Niamh O'Dowd after the WXV Global Series win over South Africa. Pic: Shaun Roy/Sportsfile

Gallagher, meanwhile, earns her second start at full-back, with Flood set to provide an attacking option later in the contest. Ireland have opted for a five-three bench split between forwards and backs, having gone with six-two last weekend.

“Niamh Gallagher has been going really well in training. We were really impressed with how she went in that second Japanese game, and she's earned the right to come and have a crack at it,” said Bemand. 

“Stacey's a good player. We know what Stacey can do at her best.”

Ireland will need to withstand another powerful South African start, with Bemand expecting the hosts to bring significant physicality once again.

However, he was pleased with how his side handled that challenge last weekend, particularly in the opening exchanges, and felt Ireland were poised to take control when Reilly crossed in the 65th minute.

However, the try was disallowed and South Africa responded with a score of their own, ensuring a nervy finish.

“We know it's going to take an even bigger effort this week,” said Bemand. “We know we're going to have to overcome that physicality again.

“I'm really confident the girls are going to get our best game out there, which will be able to handle any moments that the South Africans have, but also get more and more moments from us.” 

IRELAND: Niamh Gallagher; Béibhinn Parsons, Anna McGann, Robyn O'Connor, Dannah O'Brien, Aoibheann Reilly; Linda Djougang, Neve Jones, Eilís Cahill'; Jane Clohessy, Dorothy Wall; Fiona Tuite-O'Sullivan, Erin King (c), Brittany Horgan.

Replacements: Beth Buttimer, Niamh O'Dowd, Sophie Barrett, Grace Moore, Jemima Adams Verling, Emily Lane, Eve Higgins, Stacey Flood.