Springbok women spark new era in rugby union despite historic quarter-final exit to NZ

The Black Ferns of New Zealand have booked their place in the semi-finals of the Women's Rugby World Cup after a convincing 46-17 win over South Africa in England on Saturday night.

While the Black Ferns march on, South Africa have ignited interest and excitement for women’s rugby at home, highlighting the importance of their achievement in reaching a quarter-final for the first time.

South Africa showed creativity and attack prowess, applying pressure at line-outs and displaying powerful rolling mauls. This led to the opening try to prop Babalwa Latsha in the 19th minute.

The Black Ferns, aware of South Africa's physicality, faced a formidable challenge in the early stages of the match. Black Ferns head coach Allan Bunting praised the Springbok women for their flair and strength.

“When you give away seven penalties [in the first half], that’s what happens," he says. "They threw in some awesome innovation and put us under some pressure, but that’s a good thing for us at this point in the tournament.”

It was a dream start for the South Africans, and although Black Ferns centre Theresa Setefano (née Fitzpatrick) and Braxton Sorensen-McGee crossed the line, South Africa responded with their own try.

Photo/Matthew Impey/Photosport

A cleverly worked set piece off a non-traditional 15-man line-out allowed Lerato Makua to score, levelling the match 10-10 at half-time. The determination of the Springbok women was evident, with another try from Makua in the 76th minute.

While their campaign has ended at the WRWC in England, the impact it has had on women's rugby in South Africa remains significant.

"I'm so proud. Look at our girls, look at the passion,” Springboks women's head coach, Swys de Bruin, told reporters. “They made a difference for millions of girls in South Africa. They have role models. There are so many trials and tribulations. I’m so thankful.

New Zealand players performing the Haka before the game. Photo/Matthew Impey/Photosport

"For us to score three tries against the mighty Black Ferns, it’s a big honour and I’m so proud of each and every one of them."

De Bruin acknowledged the consistent excellence of the Black Ferns. “Every time you raise the bar, they can go higher. It’s amazing what they can do. I said in 2017 we were not good enough. In 2022, we couldn’t win a game. Now, we get a chance in a quarter-final and score three tries. I think a giant has awoken for women in South African rugby.”

Black Ferns captain Ruahei Demant says the team received a ‘ruck-up in the sheds’ at half-time, and it was effective; the Wāhine Toa scored three tries in the opening seven minutes of the second half, leaving South Africa unable to respond.

The Kiwis showed simplicity in their attack and a relentless drive to seize any opportunity, finishing the match with 29 unanswered points in the second half.

Experienced players like Setefano and Renee Holmes added to their tally, but the young players have been making their mark as well. The last three Player of the Match awards went to younger players, highlighting the promising future of women’s rugby in New Zealand.

South Africa players at the end of the quarter-final. Photo/Matthew Impey/Photosport

Sorensen-McGee, Sylvia Brunt, and Kaipo Olsen-Baker all shone in the tournament. After a serious injury scare in their opening game against Japan, Olsen-Baker showcased a relentless work ethic, standing out in both attack and defence.

Bagging two tries, six carries, and leading 25 successful tackles, Bunting praised the efforts of the medical team that helped Olsen-Baker's return to the pitch.

“It’s been massive from our medical team to get her back. She thought her dream was over, so an amazing moment for her and her family to get back out there,” Bunting says.

Looking ahead, with Australia suffering a heavy loss to Canada, 46-5, the Black Ferns now prepare for their semi-final match against Canada on Saturday, 20 September, at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol, kicking off at 6am.

The remaining semi-finalists will be decided on Monday as France faced Ireland in the third quarter-final, followed by hosts England taking on Scotland at 3am.

In other rugby internationals played on the weekend, New Zealand’s capital Wellington saw an impressive performance from the Springbok men, who defeated the All Blacks 43-10, following last week's match at Eden Park in Auckland, where the Kiwis beat the world champions, 24-17.

Click here for more fixtures and results.