Top 10, quarter-finals, first Italy win – Springbok Women break barriers

THE SPRINGBOK Women made history on Sunday with a remarkable 10–8 victory over Italy at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in York.

The result delivered three milestones in one: South Africa’s first-ever win over Italy, a place in the World Cup quarter-finals, and a breakthrough into the top 10 of the World Rugby rankings.

At the final whistle, emotions ran high. Flyhalf Libbie Janse van Rensburg was seen embracing long-serving captain Nolusindiso Booi and saying: “We did this, we did this”.

Still feeling the buzz

Two days later, Janse van Rensburg said the emotions of relief, gratitude, pride and joy were still fresh in the squad. But alongside the celebrations, determination is growing as the team prepares for their final Pool D clash against France on Sunday at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton.

“Yes, we are still feeling very good about ourselves, but suddenly there is that added feeling of us going ever further,” said Janse van Rensburg.

Both South Africa and France have already qualified for the play-offs after beating Brazil and Italy. Sunday’s match will now decide the pool winners.

“We desperately wanted to make it into the top eight, and now that we have, we want more. That game against Italy, as important as it was, was not our final act. We want more, and we are not done yet.”

The Boks trained against France earlier this year while on tour in Europe, an experience Janse van Rensburg said gave them confidence.

“We realised we were not far off during that session, and it’s amazing how things changed around so suddenly for us. We were always knocking, and now the door has been opened. The talk in the camp is that we can now get past the last eight and into the semi-finals, and I honestly don’t think it is a pipe dream.”

Libbie’s big shift

Janse van Rensburg’s own performance against Italy earned her the Player of the Match award, recognition she admitted she never expected.

“Our team doctor and physio on the side of the field were encouraging me all the time, telling me to stay in the game as I am doing well,” she said.

“I was getting really tired at that time, but kept going, and I am so happy that I did. So many players worked so hard to get to this point, and we were the fortunate ones to be on the field when history happened.”

Happy camp delivers

Reflecting on what has driven the team forward, Janse van Rensburg credited a stronger environment and unity within the squad.

“We had a poor World Cup last time, but that team was too inexperienced, and the environment was not great. This time we all know what we can do, we believe in each other, and our coaches and management really created a positive environment for us. The players also get along well, and it all delivers a happy camp.

“To add to that, the support from sponsors and the public alike has been amazing. We really feel like we belong, and we now want to reward those who invested in us.”

The Springbok Women’s team to face France will be announced on Friday. The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport.