The Springbok Women’s performances at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup were not only an indication of things to come, but will also leave a legacy that will inspire the next generation to emulate them.
That was the view of Bok Women head coach Swys de Bruin, after the team bowed out of the tournament at the quarter-final stage, following a 46-17 defeat to the defending champions, New Zealand’s Black Ferns, after scores were level at the break.
“What a performance by this team, coming into the tournament ranked 12th in the world and leaving it as one of the top eight sides,” said De Bruin.
“To add to that, to deliver such a great first half against the Black Ferns proved that it was no fluke, it showed that this team is here to stay and could be the sleeping giant of the women’s game.”
In previous Women’s Rugby World Cups, South Africa had only won three matches out of 18, but they played some breathtaking rugby against Brazil and Italy on their way to victory, and held the Black Ferns at 10-10 at the break of Saturday’s match in Exeter.
“We did some unconventional things today yes, but we had to try and think out of the box a bit,” said De Bruin.
“Our two player lineout, followed by a 15 player lineout, certainly had New Zealand baffled and we could score two very good tries against them in the first half.
“Unfortunately, we conceded three quick tries after the break and the game got away from us, but this team refused to stop fighting and added another try, which was yet another milestone for us.
“Off the field, the players did really well and it is such a blessing to be part of this team and their journey. A lot of good things came at this World Cup and the amount of messages of support was incredible. They certainly won the hearts of many.”
Bok Women captain Nolusindiso Booi said it was a performance everyone will be proud off.
“We really had them confused at the end of the first half with our tactics and they did not have all the answers to combat our mauls with so many players in it, for example,” said Booi.
“The quality team they are, they did outplay us in the second half and deserved to win, but I know we left nothing out there and every player should be proud of what they did out there today.”
Booi said the variety in play by the coaches received the buy-in from the players from the start: “We have very good coaches and they always have a plan which works most of the times. So today’s tactical approach was one we were ready to try and when it went well in training, we knew it could work in the game as well. And it did, but we could not sustain that, unfortuntately.”
The Bok captain, who was playing in her fourth World Cup, said they are leaving the tournament with heads held high.
“This was the best Women’s World Cup performance ever by a South African team by far,” she said.
“The pleasing part of this was the enjoyment the team had in the last month, knowing that we were not only playing good rugby, but also leaving a benchmark for future teams. That was very important for us as a squad to do.
“We leave with pride and just want to wish the remaining teams well in the semi-finals and final. And we will arrive back in South Africa next week knowing that the support we received from home helped us towards this milestone performance.”
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