In a display of sheer determination and skill, the Springbok Women etched their names into the annals of rugby history with a nail-biting 29-24 triumph over Italy in York. The victory marked their first ever win against the formidable Italian squad and catapulted them into the top 10 of the World Rugby rankings—a first for the team. This remarkable feat also secured their spot in the World Cup playoffs for the first time ever.
Coach Swys de Bruin couldn't hide his elation, emphasizing the collective effort that led to this historic outcome. "I am so proud of everyone, this was really a team effort, not only from all here in England, but also our support structures back home, and this performance justifies the belief SA Rugby had in us,” he stated. De Bruin also gave a nod to the tactical prowess that outsmarted Italy, “We had a plan on how to beat Italy and credit to my coaches, as it worked to a tee. Our first phase helped us to score some tries, while we also outplayed them in the backs with some delightful tries.”
"We improved on every positive statistic out there and we are only two rounds into this tournament. It is such a relief and one can only thank God that it worked as planned."
Captain Nolusindiso Booi shared her joy and the significance of the win, not just for the team but for the legacy of women's rugby in South Africa. “The performance was magic, we never stopped fighting, knowing what was at stake. This win was for all who came before us, those who paved the way. Look at where we started and look where we are now – in the top 10 of the world game.”
For Booi, who is participating in her fourth World Cup, the victory carried a personal resonance. “I will not play rugby again at this level after this tournament and to now have won two pool games in a row and qualify for the quarter-finals is just such a humble feeling of gratitude. We worked so hard for this and now we finally reap some rewards.”
The Springbok Women will now regroup and head to Northampton, where they prepare to face an undefeated French team in their final pool match next Sunday. The stakes are high but the South African squad is riding a wave of confidence that might just propel them to further glory.
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In a display of sheer determination and skill, the Springbok Women etched their names into the annals of rugby history with a nail-biting 29-24 triumph over Italy in York. The victory marked their first ever win against the formidable Italian squad and catapulted them into the top 10 of the World Rugby rankings—a first for the team. This remarkable feat also secured their spot in the World Cup playoffs for the first time ever.
Coach Swys de Bruin couldn't hide his elation, emphasizing the collective effort that led to this historic outcome. "I am so proud of everyone, this was really a team effort, not only from all here in England, but also our support structures back home, and this performance justifies the belief SA Rugby had in us,” he stated. De Bruin also gave a nod to the tactical prowess that outsmarted Italy, “We had a plan on how to beat Italy and credit to my coaches, as it worked to a tee. Our first phase helped us to score some tries, while we also outplayed them in the backs with some delightful tries.”
"We improved on every positive statistic out there and we are only two rounds into this tournament. It is such a relief and one can only thank God that it worked as planned."
Captain Nolusindiso Booi shared her joy and the significance of the win, not just for the team but for the legacy of women's rugby in South Africa. “The performance was magic, we never stopped fighting, knowing what was at stake. This win was for all who came before us, those who paved the way. Look at where we started and look where we are now – in the top 10 of the world game.”
For Booi, who is participating in her fourth World Cup, the victory carried a personal resonance. “I will not play rugby again at this level after this tournament and to now have won two pool games in a row and qualify for the quarter-finals is just such a humble feeling of gratitude. We worked so hard for this and now we finally reap some rewards.”
The Springbok Women will now regroup and head to Northampton, where they prepare to face an undefeated French team in their final pool match next Sunday. The stakes are high but the South African squad is riding a wave of confidence that might just propel them to further glory.