The Springbok Women bowed out of the 2025 Rugby World Cup at the quarter-final stage following a 46–17 defeat to defending champions New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday.
Despite the scoreline, the South Africans can take immense pride in a historic campaign that saw them reach the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time.
SOUTH AFRICA TAKE FIGHT TO KIWIS IN FIRST HALF
The Springbok Women went toe-to-toe with the Black Ferns in a tightly contested first half, with the teams locked at 10-all at the break. The Bok Women showed early intent, putting the home side under pressure and taking a deserved lead through a well-worked try by captain Babalwa Latsha after 20 minutes.
New Zealand responded with two quick tries from Theresa Setefano and Braxton Sorensen-McGee, capitalising on South Africa’s handling errors. However, the Bok Women struck back just before halftime, as Aphiwe Ngwevu powered over after sustained pressure.
NEW ZEALAND TAKE CONTROL IN SECOND STANZA
The momentum swung decisively after the break. The Black Ferns, drawing on their big-match experience, scored three tries in the opening seven minutes of the second half through Renee Holmes, Sorensen-McGee, and Kaipo Olsen-Baker to take a 15-point lead.
Despite fresh energy from the South African bench, the hosts continued to dominate, with Olsen-Baker crossing again in the 55th minute. Holmes added her second after a well-executed counterattack from a stolen Bok lineout deep in their own territory.
South Africa nearly responded when Yonela Ngxingolo dotted down, but the try was disallowed for obstruction following a TMO review. However, they were finally rewarded for their persistence when Lerato Makua scored a deserved try after a sustained attacking passage.
The final say belonged to New Zealand, as Katelyn Vahaakolo finished off the match with a powerful solo effort to seal the result.
While the tournament ends here for the Springbok Women, their spirited performance and breakthrough into the quarter-finals mark a significant step forward for the team on the global stage.
Scorers:
New Zealand 46 (10) – Tries: Setefano, Sorensen-McGee (2), Holmes (2), Olsen-Baker (2), Vahaakolo. Conversions: Holmes, Sorensen-McGee (2).
South Africa 17 (10) – Tries: Latsha, Ngwevu, Makua. Conversion: Dolf.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST TAKEAWAY FROM THE SPRINGBOK WOMEN’S CAMPAIGN?
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