History! Brave Springbok Women Reach Rugby World Cup Quarter-Finals for the First Time

History has been made as the brave Springbok Women reached the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals for the first time after showing true South African grit to outlast Italy 29-24 in a dramatic Pool D match in York on Sunday evening, securing their spot in the playoffs with a performance full of power and determination.

The Historic Victory in York

The Springbok Women pulled off a stunning upset at the LNER Community Stadium in York, England, on 31 August 2025, defeating Italy – a team ranked four places higher in the world standings – by 29-24. This win marked the first time South Africa had beaten Italy in three previous encounters and ensured their progression to the knockout stages, regardless of the result in their final pool game against France. Coming off a strong rout of Brazil in their opening match, the Boks needed this victory to achieve two wins out of three in Pool D, a feat that sparked scenes of pure joy at the final whistle.

The match was a clash of styles: Italy’s quick pace against South Africa’s raw power. In the end, the Boks’ strength won out in a nail-biter that saw the lead change hands and the scores level twice in the second half. Flyhalf Libbie Janse van Rensburg earned Player-of-the-Match honours for her clever play, including a dummy that set up a key try. This triumph was hailed as the first major shock of the 2025 tournament, with the Springbok Women proving they belong among the elite.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Game

The Boks started strong, capitalising on an Italian knock-on in their own 22. A powerful scrum set up prop Aseza Hele to crash over for her fourth try of the tournament, giving South Africa an early lead. Soon after, Janse van Rensburg’s dummy opened the defence for halfback Nadine Roos to score, pushing the score to 12-0.

Italy fought back with pressure, and fullback Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi slipped through for their first try. Roos made a crucial tackle to deny more points, but the Boks extended their lead when a smooth backline move saw Roos assist winger Ayanda Malinga for a try down the touchline, making it 17-5.
Five minutes before half-time, prop Sanelisiwe Charlie’s ruck infringement gave Italy a penalty, leading to hooker Vittoria Vecchini’s try. The half ended 17-12 after South Africa failed to score from 17 phases near the line.

Early in the second half, Italy levelled at 17-17 with flank Francesca Sgorbini’s try from a lineout trick. The missed conversion kept it close. South Africa responded as replacement prop Yonela Ngxingolo powered over to lead 24-17.

With ten minutes left, Italy’s relentless attacks saw prop Sara Seye score under the posts, tying it at 24-24. Despite lineout troubles, flank Sinazo Mcatshulwa’s late try sealed the 29-24 win, with the Boks defending fiercely in the final minutes.

Point Scorers and Key Performances

South Africa — Tries: Aseza Hele, Nadine Roos, Ayanda Malinga, Yonela Ngxingolo, Sinazo Mcatshulwa. Conversions: Byrhandré Dolf (2).
Italy — Tries: Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, Vittoria Vecchini, Francesca Sgorbini, Sara Seye. Conversions: Michela Sillari (2).
Standouts included Roos for her try, assists, and tackles; Hele for her scoring streak; and the forwards for their scrum dominance. Italy’s backline speed tested the Boks, but South Africa’s physicality proved decisive.

Historical Context and Tournament Journey

This is the Springbok Women’s fifth World Cup appearance, but their first quarter-final berth. Previously, they won just four matches across tournaments, but 2025 marks their second multi-win campaign and first playoff spot. Ranked 10th, they upset sixth-ranked Italy, showcasing growth under coach Louis Koen.
Pool D includes France (world number 3), Italy, and Brazil. The Boks started with a dominant win over Brazil, setting up the Italy clash as pivotal. Their final pool match against France is on 7 September 2025 at the same venue.

The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, hosted in England from 22 August to 27 September, features 16 teams across four pools. Quarter-finals start on 13-14 September, with the final at Twickenham.

Team Preparations and Changes

Captain Nolusindiso Booi led a squad blending experience and youth. For Italy, changes included Roos at fullback and Unam Tose at scrumhalf. The forwards aimed to dominate, a strategy that paid off.
Pre-match, players like Lusanda Dumke stressed the game’s importance. The team trained hard post-Brazil win, focusing on their power game.

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