Tenacious performance in defeat to Black Ferns points to brighter days for the Springbok Women.
The Springbok Women lost 34–26 to Black Ferns XV but showed serious growth ahead of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
The Bok Women delivered an encouraging overall display despite losing by eight points to a powerful Black Ferns XV side at Athlone Stadium.
South Africa showcased notable improvements, especially in set-pieces and physicality, as they build towards the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.
Early Blow, But Positive Response By South Africa
The Black Ferns XV scored early, with Mererangi Paul finishing a sharp move just two minutes into the contest. South Africa responded immediately, using physical runners like Babalwa Latsha and Aseza Hele to punch holes in the New Zealand defence.
Hele crashed over from a powerful maul, showcasing the Springbok Women’s trusted strength upfront to level the early battle. The match settled into a physical rhythm, with South Africa’s forwards matching the Ferns in intensity and ball-carrying power.
Springbok Errors Prove Costly
Two yellow cards hurt South Africa’s rhythm, with Vainah Ubisi and Eloise Webb both sent off for repeated infringements. New Zealand capitalised, scoring through Kelsey Teneti twice, once from an overlap and the other from a loose midfield intercept.
Despite Hele’s second try after another dominant maul, South Africa still trailed at the break due to poor discipline. Conversion misses kept the Boks close, but soft moments on defence made the difference at crucial stages of the match.
Although they fell short on the scoreboard, South Africa finished stronger and more confident than they had started the match. The final whistle confirmed a loss but also underlined how far the team has come against elite-level opposition.
Set-Pieces And Physicality A Strength
The Springbok Women dominated in the scrums and mauls, often pushing the Black Ferns XV backwards at will. Their power game created front-foot ball and scoring chances, particularly through Latsha, Hele and the Bomb Squad off the bench.
The lineout drive proved deadly, leading to two of South Africa’s four tries during an impressive forward display. This physical dominance bodes well for the World Cup, where structure and set-piece control can swing tight matches.
The Bok Women now have a clear identity built on power, precision and unrelenting forward play.
Still Work To Do On Defence
South Africa leaked tries too easily on the edge, especially following yellow cards that created space for New Zealand’s dangerous backs. Missed tackles and communication gaps allowed Teneti to shine, while intercepts and turnovers were ruthlessly punished.
Nadine Roos, Chumisa Qawe, and Ubisi showed a strong commitment, but a more defensive structure is needed ahead of the World CupCoaches will also want improved discipline, with two yellow cards undermining momentum and creating costly gaps in the line. If the defence tightens up, this team could challenge more established sides come RWC 2025.
Signs Of Progress Ahead Of World Cup
The Springbok Women showed major improvements in execution, belief and consistency across 80 minutes against world-class opposition.
Latsha, Hele and Roos emerged as leaders, while younger players like Nombuyekezo Mdliki gained valuable experience. With more game time, combinations are starting to click, and Amorim’s tactical plan is becoming clearer each week.
This was not just a loss; it was a milestone performance showing real growth ahead of rugby’s biggest stage. With sharpened disciplinary and defensive efforts, South Africa can arrive in England as true World Cup playoff contenders.
