The Springboks Women World Cup has captured hearts at home and abroad, and now they face defending champions New Zealand in their first-ever quarter-final
Northhampton, England (08 September 2025) – What a journey it has been for the Springbok Women. From the grit it took to qualify for the Rugby World Cup, to making history by reaching the knockout stages for the very first time, the team has given South Africans plenty of reasons to be proud.
Their group stage ended with a tough 57–10 loss to France at Franklin’s Gardens, but even in defeat the Bok Women showed the heart and resilience that has defined their campaign. After the final whistle, they made time for supporters. Signing jerseys, posing for photos, and sharing warm moments with fans, families, and even babies dressed in green and gold. Sure, their World Cup story is about results and aiming to make history. However they are proving it’s also about building connections and inspiring the next generation.
Now, the journey heads into even tougher territory, a quarter-final clash with none other than defending champions New Zealand in Exeter on Saturday.
That is the view of SA head coach Swys de Bruin after his side suffered the defeat to the French and lined up a meeting with the Black Ferns.
“France played very well today and we did not,” said De Bruin.
“The reality is that they are ranked fourth in the world and that showed. In fact, the top four sides in the world all scored 40 or more points to win their final pool matches this weekend, which shows the gap between them and the rest right now.”
Despite acknowledging the challenge ahead, Coach De Bruin believes the experience of facing New Zealand’s next-best side in Cape Town last month helped their preparations.
“Sixteen teams arrived here and eight are on their way home,” he said. “We still have a chance to make more history, despite being massive underdogs. As you saw against France, our girls never gave up and scored the last points of the match. That fighting spirit is something that will always give us a chance.”
The team travels to Exeter today and have their first training session on Tuesday!
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Sources: SA Rugby
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