Massive strides for Springbok Women bode well for the future

The Springbok Women may have exited the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup at the quarter-final stage, but their spirited performances in England will echo far beyond the tournament, leaving behind a legacy of pride and inspiration for the next generation.

South Africa fell 46-17 to defending champions New Zealand’s Black Ferns in Exeter on Saturday, but not before holding the powerhouse side to a 10-10 deadlock at halftime. For head coach Swys de Bruin, that opening 40 minutes proved that the Bok Women have stepped into a new era.

“What a performance by this team, coming into the tournament ranked 12th in the world and leaving it as one of the top eight sides,” said De Bruin. “To deliver such a great first half against the Black Ferns proved it was no fluke. It showed that this team is here to stay and could be the sleeping giant of the women’s game.”

Strong wins for resurgent team

In previous editions of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, South Africa managed just three victories in 18 attempts. This time around, they produced strong wins against Brazil and Italy, before facing the ultimate test in the quarter-finals. Their bold tactical play caught New Zealand off guard, including both a two-player lineout and a 15-player lineout, which opened the door for two first-half tries.

De Bruin admitted the match slipped away after the break. “We conceded three quick tries and the game got away from us, but this team refused to stop fighting and added another try. Off the field, the players did really well and it is such a blessing to be part of their journey. The support we received was incredible and they certainly won the hearts of many.”

Captain Nolusindiso Booi, appearing in her fourth World Cup, echoed her coach’s pride. “We really had them confused at the end of the first half with our tactics. They are a quality team and deserved to win, but I know we left nothing out there and every player should be proud,” she said.

Creative approach

Booi credited the coaching staff’s creative approach. “We have very good coaches and they always have a plan. The tactical approach we used was one we trusted, and when it worked in training, we knew it could work in the game. It did, but we could not sustain it in the second half.”

For Booi and her teammates, the bigger picture mattered most. “This was the best Women’s World Cup performance ever by a South African team by far. The pleasing part was the enjoyment the team had in the last month, knowing we were playing good rugby but also leaving a benchmark for future teams.

"That was very important for us.”

The Springbok Women will return to South Africa next week with their heads held high, knowing they have broken new ground on the global stage and set a foundation for the future of the women’s game at home.