In the middle of safaris, birthday celebrations and games of the Traitors, Ireland know they are in South Africa to do a job.

The two Tests, which form part of the WVX Global Series, will be the first time Ireland's women have played on Springbok soil.

It will be a historic occasion as the sides meet on Saturday at 14:00 BST and, for captain Erin King, it is a trip to savour.

Just three days after celebrating her 23rd birthday, the flanker will lead Scott Bemand's side out in Cape Town for the first time.

"We've definitely spoken about the history of getting to play in Cape Town and getting to play in South Africa," she said.

"Rugby is everything for them. They eat and breathe rugby, and there's so much history there.

"We'd love to come over, win the two Tests and create a bit of history."

Ireland had a mixed start to the WXV Series with a defeat by the USA followed by a win over Japan in Galway.

Bemand's side then beat Japan for a second time in a game outside the WXV window at the start of October.

South Africa have also had an inconsistent start to WXV as wins over Spain and Italy were followed by a heavy defeat by Wales.

Saturday's first Test will contain two sides with a point to prove.

"I think physicality is what will probably win it this weekend, and that is something we definitely don't shy away from," King added.

"I don't think we've ever played against a team quite like them and we're really lucky to have this opportunity."

While the two matches and making history are the focus, Ireland have been making the most of the experience of being on tour as a group.

The players went on a safari to experience the local wildlife and King, who has been to South Africa before with Ireland's Sevens programme, said it is "a beautiful place".

"We're really excited to be away on tour together, and it's really special for us to bond as a group.

"We know the importance of that connection off-field and how it translates to the on-pitch."

Hooker Neve Jones, who who will win her 50th Ireland cap on Saturday, has also been leading a game of Traitors.

"Neve's the head of the social committee," said King.

"She's always keeping us entertained and we all enjoy her company.

"I'm delighted for her to get her 50th cap. It's going to be a really special day for her and no-one deserves it more than her."

King added that now the next cycle before the World Cup in 2029 is under way, being away together can be beneficial in the long run.

"Obviously looking ahead to the World Cup in a few years' time, it's a great opportunity to get used to touring as a team and how special it can be with the memories that we can make together, while, at the same time, not losing sight of the job at hand."

When King speaks, it is hard to believe she is a player who will only be winning her 16th cap for Ireland.

While she had Sevens experience, including at the Paris Olympics, she only made the switch to the 15-a-side game in 2024 but was named World Rugby's breakthrough player of the year later that year.

The fact she had been handed the captaincy by Bemand ahead of the Six Nations shows how much she has grown in a short space of time.

"I suppose it's been a bit of a whirlwind in the last two years and I was really lucky when I came into the squad to come into such a great group of girls.

"They were so welcoming and made me feel really at home.

"It didn't really take long to feel like I belonged and that's down to the culture that the girls created. The timing was great."

Reflecting on her first training session with Ireland, she joked she "wasn't the biggest fan".

"I think after my first maul session I probably cried. I was like, 'I don't know if this is for me'.

"It's come a long way since and to be the captain of this team is still a bit of a 'pinch me' moment."

She added it was "an absolute honour" to lead out Ireland and it was "a really exciting time" for the group going forward.

"My own game hopefully is coming along and I'm constantly working to be one of the best players in Ireland and one of the best players in the world.

"I'm just lucky to be part of the team that I'm part of and lucky to captain such an amazing group."