Springbok Women Hailed After Historic First Rugby World Cup Quarterfinal
Springbok Women Hailed After Historic First Rugby World Cup Quarterfinal
The Springbok Women made history in York, beating Italy 29-24 to reach their first Rugby World Cup quarterfinal and break into the world’s top 10.
History was made in South African rugby Sunday as the Springbok Women reached the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals for the first time with a dramatic 29-24 victory over Italy.
The win not only was South Africa’s first over Italy, it also confirmed the team's progression beyond the pool stage in SA's fifth attempt. It followed a dominant 66-6 opening victory over Brazil and vaulted the team into the top 10 of the World Rugby rankings for the first time.
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The contest in York was tense from start to finish.
South Africa struck in the opening minute, doing what the Springboks do best: the scrum.
From a powerful drive, No. 8 Aseza Hele barreled over for the first try.
Italy responded quickly, but South Africa reasserted control when fly-half Libbie Janse van Rensburg dummied an offloaded to Nadine Roos, who scored under the posts. Byrhandré Dolf added the extras to stretch the lead to 12-0.
Italy, powered by centurion scrumhalf Sofia Stefan, pushed back through wide attacking play and grabbed her team's first points of the tournament with a try in the corner.
Ayanda Malinga then capped a sweeping move for South Africa’s third try, but Francesca Sgorbini’s score leveled matters at 17-17 early in the second half.
The Springboks’ pack continued to dominate at the set-piece, and replacement Yonela Ngxingolo muscled over to give them a 24-17 edge.
Italy would not fold, leveling once more at 24-24 with 10 minutes to go.
Finally, with the game hanging in the balance, flanker Sinazo Mcatshulwa crashed over in the 74th minute to seal victory.
Player of the Match Janse van Rensburg was at the heart of everything, kicking, tackling and orchestrating the attack. “By far the best match of her career,” said one South African observer.
The landmark win drew praise from across the rugby world.
South African Rugby Union president Mark Alexander said the team’s performance “embodies the spirit of South Africa.”
“On behalf of the South African Rugby Union, I extend my deepest admiration and pride,” Alexander said. “You have made history, and you have made us proud. It was a performance that transcended sport. It was not only a remarkable victory – it was a demonstration of what it means to be South African.
“You showed grit, determination and belief in one another, and you have inspired the whole nation. You showed us once again that rugby is more than a game for us – it is a force for unity, pride, and hope.”
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus, currently with the men’s team in New Zealand, celebrated on social media, posting in Afrikaans: “Mooi man en baie geluk to SA Women Boks!! So proud!! So lekka.”
The Bok Women will conclude pool play against world No. 4 France on Sunday at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton.
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