Springbok Women face massive Test against France after historic win

The Springbok Women, still celebrating their first-ever World Cup quarter-final qualification following a stunning win over Italy, face a formidable challenge on Sunday.

Fourth-ranked France await at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton (kick-off 5.45pm), a side boasting the experience and firepower to punish any lapse. While the victory over Italy was historic, de Bruin’s side know they will need to raise their game even further to beat one of the tournament's dark horses.

Sunday’s thrilling 29-24 victory over the higher-ranked Italy in York, resulted in the Bok Women climbing two places to 10th. Should they pull off the victory over the fourth-ranked France at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton on Sunday, coach Swys de Bruin's side would top the group.

De Bruin had a word of warning for those who would write off the powerful Bok Women's chances of also toppling the 2025 Six Nations runners-up.

"The whole thing is out of this world. For us to score five tries and make the quarters for the first time and beat a top-10 side, suddenly we can talk with the big boys. We were seen as a minor or minnow, and suddenly it's not the case any more," De Bruin said. 

"South African rugby is alive and well. The Under-20s won the world champs, the Boks are the champions, the Sevens under Philip Snyman are doing brilliant work, so all these departments are suddenly on the move.

“I am so proud of everyone, this was really a team effort, not only from all here in England, but also our support structures back home. This performance justifies the belief SA Rugby had in us."

De Bruin felt that Italy showed their Six Nations experience to come back from17-5 down, but his team wanted the victory more. 

“We had a plan on how to beat Italy and credit to my coaches, as it worked to a tee," he said.

"Our first phase helped us to score some tries, while we also outplayed them in the backs with some delightful tries. We improved on every positive statistic out there and we are only two rounds into this tournament."

Team captain Nolusindiso Booi was also delighted with their first win over Italy.

“The performance was magic, we never stopped fighting, knowing what was at stake,” she said.

“This win was for all who came before us, those who paved the way. Look at where we started and look where we are now – in the top 10 of the world game. This is just so rewarding for everyone, especially the coaches who prepared us for this moment.”

Booi – who is playing in her fourth World Cup – said the victory was equally special on a personal level, saying: "To now have won two pool games in a row and qualify for the quarter-finals is just such a humble feeling of gratitude."

France, meanwhile, followed up their opening 24-0 win over Italy with an 84-5 drubbing of Brazil on Sunday. The South Africans lost their only previous international meeting with France 46-3 in France in 2021.

The winner of Sunday’s clash is set to face the team that finishes second in Pool C – either New Zealand or Ireland – in the quarter-finals at Sandy Park a week later. 

While the Bok Women have shown they can topple top 10 sides, France represent a massive step up in quality. With their strength, experience, and attacking firepower, the French are clear favourites, but South Africa’s belief and momentum could set up one of the most thrilling encounters of the tournament.