Such is the nature of international sport that only an improved performance by the Springbok Women against Italy on Sunday will give justice to their fine win over Brazil in the opening match of their 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign.
It was back to the training fields of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 for the Springbok Women with all eyes now on Italy, their second Pool D opponent in England for a match that could determine their destiny for the tournament.
Springbok Women’s coach Swys de Bruin could not have asked for a more impressive start to their Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign than the record-breaking 66-6 victory over Brazil in Northampton.
The Springbok Women will open their Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 campaign with a squad laden with Test and World Cup experience when they take on Brazil at Franklin’s Garden in Northampton on Sunday.
The Springbok Women’s pack of forwards came to the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup with a clear objective and that desire – to be rated amongst the best of the best – will be a massive driving force in their Pool D performances against Brazil, Italy and France over the next three weekends.
Sunday’s Women’s Rugby World Cup opener between South Africa and Brazil at Franklin’s Garden in Northampton may be the first Test between the two nations, but for Springbok Women utility back Nadine Roos, some of her opponents will not be unfamiliar.
Springbok Women performance coach Swys de Bruin described his team’s departure to the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England as “the wrapped bicycle under the Christmas tree” and said they are well prepared for their most significant tournament in three years.
Nolusindiso Booi, the most-capped Springbok Women’s player, will lead a strong South African squad containing 19 players out of the 32 with previous Women’s Rugby World Cup experience to the 2025 global showpiece which kicks off in England in a few weeks’ time.
Springbok Women flanker and Isuzu Bulls Daisies captain Lusanda Dumke is stepping away from rugby due to health concerns.
Experienced campaigners Ayanda Malinga, Danelle Lochner and Lindelwa Gwala will return to the Springbok Women match-23 for Saturday’s second international friendly against the Black Ferns XV as Swys de Bruin again tweaked combinations for their final match before the Rugby World Cup in England next month.