Springbok Women kick off World Cup build-up with commanding victory over Spain

The Springbok Women began their Rugby World Cup season on a high note with an emphatic 48-26 win over Spain in Alicante on Saturday, a performance hailed by assistant coach Swys de Bruin as a vital and encouraging first step in their international campaign.

The South Africans crossed the whitewash eight times, mixing clinical set-piece dominance with thrilling long-distance tries that lit up the Spanish coast. According to De Bruin, this first outing marked a successful completion of the first phase of their World Cup preparations, which included a short tour to France and Spain.

“We scored some beautiful long-distance tries, which was something we worked on and wanted to add to our arsenal,” said De Bruin after the final whistle. “The set piece delivered as usual, and I must give credit to the defensive effort out there—we really laid down a marker in that area as well.”

While the Bok Women opened the game with near-flawless execution in the first half, De Bruin admitted there was room for improvement after allowing Spain two soft tries in the second stanza. However, he saw the lapses as necessary lessons that will serve them well as they continue to build towards the Rugby World Cup in August.

“Coaches are never completely happy,” De Bruin chuckled, “but our first-half performance was almost faultless. We really played well, and those long-distance tries were spectacular. The second half was looser, and while that’s not ideal, it gives us good work-ons for the next stage of our campaign.”

De Bruin also praised the players for their confidence and willingness to test themselves. “At times, they didn’t stick exactly to the script, but they played with flair and ambition, and that’s what we want to see.”

The team will now enjoy a short break before resuming preparations for the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Madagascar in June, followed by a two-Test series against Canada in July. “We are seven matches away from our World Cup opener, and this was a great way to start. There’s not much to complain about at this stage,” De Bruin added with satisfaction.

Saturday’s clash was especially emotional for Springbok Women’s captain, Nolusindiso Booi, who made history by becoming the first South African woman to reach 50 Test caps. True to her nature, Booi kept the focus on the team despite the personal milestone.

“This was not about me, although I am immensely proud of the occasion and what it means to women’s rugby and especially to my family,” she said. “I had my quiet moments before the match, but when it was game time, I focused on playing for this team and this country.”

Reflecting on the match and her journey, Booi expressed deep gratitude. “Now that it’s all over, I have a deep sense of thanks to those who walked this journey with me. We played well today, and everyone should be proud of the fact that they played a part in this performance.”

Another standout moment from the match was the international debut of Alicia Willemse, who became the 176th player to represent the Springbok Women. The young star, who came on in the second half, struggled to find the words to describe the moment.

“This is special,” Willemse beamed. “Making my debut for this team is something I will never forget. I’m really proud, and the fact that we celebrated with a win makes it even more special.”

With the victory under their belts and the symbolic milestones of both Booi and Willemse adding emotional weight to the occasion, the Bok Women have set a confident tone for the months ahead.

Their performance in Spain signals more than just a strong start—it’s a message to the world that South Africa’s women’s side is serious about competing on the biggest stage and carrying the hopes of a nation hungry for glory.