Dannah O'Brien says more will be required in Springbok rematch: 'They know us better now'

O’Brien knows Ireland will have to withstand another powerful start from their opponents, who demonstrated their physical threat through the likes of their first try scorer Aseza Hele

SHOOT FOR THE STARS: Dannah O'Brien kicks a conversion. Pic: Shaun Roy/Sportsfile

Ireland will look to complete a historic series victory when they face South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday afternoon, with Dannah O’Brien insisting they must be ready for another serious physical exam from the Springbok Women.

Scott Bemand’s side return to Athlone Stadium for their second meeting after last weekend’s 40-27 victory, the first time an Ireland women’s team has played South Africa on their own soil.

A second successive win would make further history, and O’Brien believes Ireland can build on what was their sixth win from nine matches in 2026.

The out-half kicked five of her six conversions last Saturday, as Ireland recovered from trailing 17-14 shortly before half-time to finish strongly. Jane Clohessy’s try before the interval proved important, while second-half scores from Béibhinn Parsons, Erin King and Linda Djougang helped put the game beyond the hosts.

However, O’Brien knows Ireland will have to withstand another powerful start from their opponents, who demonstrated their physical threat through the likes of their first try scorer, the rampaging number eight Aseza Hele.

RAMPAGER: South Africa's Aseza Hele is a threat to watch out for.

“We know they’re a strong, physical side, so it’s something that we wanted to go after,” she said. “There were times they did get into the game, but I think we did a good job in general. There’s still areas to go after on that physical side.” 

Ireland have made two changes to their starting backline, with Aoibheann Reilly replacing Emily Lane at scrum-half and Niamh Gallagher coming in at full-back. Sophie Barrett has also been added to the replacements as Bemand opts for a five-three bench split.

Greater accuracy in possession will be another priority. Ireland made handling errors during the first half of the opening Test, and O’Brien believes keeping the ball moving will help prevent South Africa from turning the contest into more of a set-piece battle.

“There were a couple of handling errors, so we just want to get sharper in that area,” she said. “Then, when we have our chances, take them again, like we did last week.” 

O’Brien has loved her first experience of touring South Africa, having previously travelled with Ireland to Japan and Canada and played at last year's World Cup in England.

AFTER BURNER: O'Brien takes off in Athlone. Pic: Shaun Roy/Sportsfile

She was particularly impressed by the atmosphere at Athlone Stadium and, with more of the same expected this afternoon, the 23-year-old Tullow playmaker and her colleagues will again have to cope with it.

“It was incredible,” she said. “There was a corner of the pitch where it was quite hard to play because the volume was so loud. But it was really cool. The weather is fantastic out here, and Athlone Stadium is really cool to play in as well. It was really a unique experience, and I've really enjoyed it so far.

"And hopefully, we can put out a good performance again this week. After the last game you know what you're coming up against, and it's just trying to put out a performance that is better, because they obviously know us a bit better as well."