In their final tune-up before the Women’s Rugby World Cup, the Springbok Women powered to a convincing 41–24 win over the Black Ferns XV at Athlone Stadium.
The result evened up the series and injected fresh momentum into their RWC campaign.
FIRST HALF RECAP: EXECUTION ON POINT
The Springbok Women dominated from whistle to whistle, using their powerful forwards to open holes and their scrum to earn penalties at will. They scored seven tries to New Zealand’s four, showing clear dominance in physicality and execution .
They struck first in the 14th minute when Ayanda Malinga snatched up a loose ball and sprinted through open space to touch down out wide. Just three minutes later, fullback Byrhandré Dolf seized on space behind a broken defensive line and executed a perfect grubber to score under pressure .
The Black Ferns responded through centre Kelsey Teneti, who cut through at pace to register New Zealand’s first try. Yet By halftime the home side led 24–12 thanks to quick replies from flyhalf Libbie Janse van Rensburg and prop Yonela Ngxingolo, both finishing strong moves after pressure deep in the 22.
SECOND HALF RECAP: ABSORBING PRESSURE
Early in the second half, Black Ferns hooker Luka Connor barged over to narrow the gap to five points. But South Africa answered swiftly, using tried-and-tested lineout maul tactics: hooker Lindelwa Gwala and flanker Lerato Makua forced their way over in successive mauls, extending the lead to 29–19.
New Zealand’s Justine McGregor scored her side’s fourth try off a slick backs move, reducing the margin to 36–24. But a final push from the Bomb Squad yielded replacement hooker Luchell Hanekom’s score after a TMO review and sent-off decision, sealing the 41–24 result.
BRIMMING SPRINGBOK WOMEN COACH LAUDS PERFORMANCE
Coach Swys de Bruin praised his side’s mental switch from the previous Test. He highlighted their execution of tactical changes and said the win leaves the team nearly where they want to be before the World Cup.
“The team really played well tonight and executed the tweaks we made very well, and that delivered not only a winning result, but also a boost of confidence to the squad and management.
“We worked hard to get to this point, and I can honestly say this was one of the best performances we had since I joint the squad just over a year ago.”
This landmark win gives the team confidence and clarity ahead of their World Cup opener against Brazil. Their combination of physical dominance, pin-point execution, and tactical control points to serious intent on the global stage.
“I think we are now close to where we wanted to be a few weeks out from the Rugby World Cup,” said De Bruin.
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