Springbok Women stun Black Ferns XV to close out World Cup preparations in style

A SPIRITED Springbok Women’s team capped off their Rugby World Cup preparations with a rousing 41–26 victory over a strong Black Ferns XV at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday night – a result hailed by coaches and players alike as a turning point in the team’s journey.

After falling short against the same opposition the previous weekend and enduring a difficult two-Test series against Canada earlier this month, the South Africans summoned their most complete performance of the season. The seven-try blitz was built on a dominant forward display, clinical execution, and a fierce defensive effort that stifled New Zealand’s normally potent attack.

“I think we are now close to where we wanted to be a few weeks out from the Rugby World Cup,” said performance coach Swys de Bruin, reflecting on what he described as “one of the best performances” since he joined the team a year ago.

“The team really played well tonight and executed the tweaks we made very well, and that delivered not only a winning result, but also a boost of confidence to the squad and management.”

The Springbok Women laid their marker early, with left wing Ayanda Malinga and fullback Byrhandré Dolf scoring sharp first-half tries to set the tone. Their dominance up front laid the foundation for further scores from Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Yonela Ngxingolo, Lindelwa Gwala, Lerato Makua, and Luchell Hanekom – each showcasing the growing depth and power of the South African pack.

But more than the scoreboard, De Bruin credited the players for making a critical mental shift following last week’s narrow loss.

“It started with our jersey presentation yesterday when Babalwa Latsha made a wonderful speech to the team and they embraced the message she delivered – that it was time to take the opportunities that they create,” he said. “They showed exactly that today. It was such an inspiring performance.”

Latsha, who captained the side on Saturday, echoed that sentiment: “We needed this performance. We now have the knowledge and the belief that we are on the right track and will go to the Rugby World Cup in a good mental and physical space.”

The victory, she added, left the team with a memory bank full of positives.

“We know the disappointment from last week when we did not execute, and the joys of the win this week when we did. And this memory of winning is ideal for going to the Rugby World Cup.”

For scrumhalf Nadine Roos, the performance was deeply personal after falling short of her own standards in the first match.

“I was not happy about my performance last weekend, and on Monday I said to myself that I will prepare to play the best game I can and assist my team the best way I can,” said Roos. “I decided that no one was going to get past me today, and no one did, so I am very happy that we could pull off the win and that I could contribute towards that.”

Experienced flanker Sinazo Mcatshulwa said the team’s physicality – a hallmark of Saturday’s win – comes as no surprise to those inside the camp.

“When we train, it is very physical. Every session we have, from Monday to Thursday, is a physical one, so we don’t mind going to that dark place on a match day either. This was very rewarding to all of us.”

De Bruin said the victory solidified the selectors' confidence heading into the global tournament.

“The coaches are happy that we got our combinations and spine right and we can go to the World Cup 99% sure of what we need to do to have the best performance ever,” he said. “We needed this win, and the way we did it, was an extra boost.”

He also thanked SA Rugby, the media, the Athlone crowd – and Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, who visited the changeroom – for their support.

The Springbok Women will now turn their full attention to the opening match of the Rugby World Cup in England, where they face Brazil in Northampton in just over two weeks’ time.

The final South African squad will be announced on Saturday, 9 August.

Scorers:

Springbok Women 41 (24) – Tries: Ayanda Malinga, Byrhandré Dolf, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Yonela Ngixingolo, Lindelwa Gwala, Lerato Makua, Luchell Hanekom. Conversions: Libbie Janse van Rensburg (3).

Black Ferns XV 24 (12) – Tries: Kelsey Teneti, Holly Greenway, Luka Connor, Justine McGregor. Conversions: Hannah King (2).