France proved too strong for the Springbok Women after they secured a 57-10 victory in their final Women's Rugby World Cup pool match at Franklin's Gardens, Northampton.
The Springbok Women were congratulated for reaching the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals for the first time with a performance that “embodies the spirit of South Africa”, said Mr Mark Alexander, the president of the South African Rugby Union.
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.
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.
The Springbok Women took another positive step towards the Rugby World Cup in England as they recovered from being outplayed by New Zealand’s Black Ferns XV in the first half of their match at Athlone Stadium on Saturday, to “winning” the second half.
The South African Rugby Union, SuperSport and the SABC announced a broadcast agreement between the two media houses, to enable the SABC to broadcast the forthcoming second Castle Lager Incoming Series Test match between the Springboks and Italy.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus planned to continue with the team rotation policy that delivered impressive results last season with 11 victories in 13 Test matches, as he looks to build squad depth and experience with an eye on this season and further ahead to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The last time Zenay Jordaan left the pitch at the Rugby World Cup, she was carried off shoulder high by her Springbok Women teammates and England opponents, but she will return later this year, albeit in a new capacity.
President of SA Rugby Mr Mark Alexander congratulated the three South African match officials who were included on the panels for the Rugby World Cup in England later this year.
A group of 38 players assembled in Cape Town on Sunday for the next phase of the Springbok Women’s Rugby World Cup preparations, with the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Madagascar in early June the first assignment for the group, followed by Test matches against Canada a month later.