Springbok women putting France thumping behind them as they chase more history in Rugby World Cup quarters
France's prop Yllana Brosseau makes a break during the Women’s Rugby World Cup pool D match between France and South Africa at Franklin's Gardens, Northampton, central England, on September 7, 2025. Picture: Adrian Dennis/AFP
Image: Adrian Dennis/AFP
South Africa will not be dwelling on their heavy defeat to France in their final Women’s Rugby World Cup (RWC) Pool D clash on Sunday, according to Springbok coach Swys de Bruin.
The Springboks lost 57-10 to France in Northampton to wrap up the group campaign.
It was their first defeat of the tournament after brushing aside Brazil 66-6 and edging the higher-ranked Italy 29-24.
Coming into the tournament, South Africa were ranked 12th but moved up two spots after their shock win over the eight-ranked Italy.
Against the number four-ranked France though, it was a one-sided affair as the gap between the top nations in women’s rugby was apparent.
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“France played very well today and we did not,” said De Bruin.
“The reality is that they are ranked fourth in the world and that showed. In fact, the top four sides in the world all scored 40 or more points to win their final pool matches this weekend, which shows the gap between them and the rest right now.
“There are positives though. We rested nine frontline players, and they will be ready and fresh for New Zealand next week. Today also exposed nine players to the harsh realities of what World Cups are all about. One can look at that as an investment into the future.”
The Springboks will now turn their attention to the quarterfinal, which is a first for the SA side at the Women’s RWC. Against New Zealand who are third in the world, it will be a similar challenge to that posed by France.
The clash in Exeter kicks off at 2pm SA time on Saturday.