The Springbok Women stunned the Black Ferns in Athlone to prove they’re on the right track for the 2025 World Cup.
The Springbok Women capped off their World Cup preparations in emphatic style by overpowering the Black Ferns XV 41-24 in Cape Town on Saturday.
Swys de Bruin’s Springbok Women delivered a dominant display to topple the Black Ferns XV at Athlone Stadium, levelling the two-match series and underlining their readiness for the Rugby World Cup, which kicks off in England later this month.
Power Game Lays The Platform
South Africa’s forwards took control from the outset, setting a dominant tone in the scrums, lineouts, and collisions. The Bok pack, led by hooker Lindelwa Gwala and flanker Lerato Makua, provided front-foot ball and scored five of the team’s seven tries. Their physical edge proved decisive. The lineout maul – a key feature of their game – delivered crucial momentum and points at key moments.
Yonela Ngxingolo’s powerful burst from a set move and two textbook maul tries in the second half showed the pack’s efficiency and execution. The scrum earned penalties, the maul created territory, and the gain-line success gave the backs room to operate.
Backs Capitalise With Composed Finishing
Ayanda Malinga, Byrhandré Dolf and Libbie Janse van Rensburg all dotted down in a first half where the Bok Women’s clinical finishing was evident. Dolf’s try – a clever collect of her own grubber – and Malinga’s opener, from defensive pressure, set the tone.
Flyhalf Janse van Rensburg directed play calmly and took advantage of dominance up front. On defence, the home side’s rush system smothered New Zealand’s attacking threats, forcing errors and limiting their opportunities out wide.
While the Black Ferns XV struck back through Kelsey Teneti and Holly Greenway, they couldn’t match the hosts’ consistency and firepower.
Mental Shift Sparks Improved Display
Following a narrow 34-26 loss in the first match, the Springbok Women regrouped and produced a performance filled with clarity and intent. Coach Swys de Bruin credited the players for embracing tactical tweaks and making a “mental switch” after last weekend’s frustration.
“It started with our jersey presentation when Babalwa [Latsha] gave a powerful speech,” De Bruin said. “They responded by taking their chances and playing to our strengths.”
Captain Latsha said the win validated the group’s growth: “We needed this performance. Now we know we’re mentally and physically on track for the World Cup.”
Scrumhalf Nadine Roos also highlighted personal motivation after an admittedly underwhelming first game. “I said to myself I wouldn’t let anyone pass me, and I stuck to that,” she said.
Ready For And Full Steam Ahead To RWC 2025
The World Cup kicks off in under three weeks. Therefore, Saturday’s victory couldn’t have come at a better time. South Africa’s RWC opener against Brazil (2498.36) is just 20 days away, and the Springbok Women (350.63) will head to England buoyed by belief and cohesion.
“The combinations and spine are now in place,” De Bruin confirmed. “This win gave us confidence and confirmed what we’re building.”
Latsha added that the memory of this victory will stay with the group as they look to make history in England: “It’s the belief we’ve been working for.”
The final squad for the Rugby World Cup will be announced on 9 August. On the evidence of this form, the Springbok Women have every reason to feel optimistic about their campaign.
