Springbok Women eye historic Rugby World Cup quarter-final clash

The Springbok Women made history on Sunday, beating Italy for the first time and securing a place in their maiden Rugby World Cup quarter-final. The win also pushed South Africa into the top 10 of the World Rugby rankings for the first time.

The team now turns its focus to France, their toughest pool opponent yet, in a clash that will decide the winner of Pool D.

Next match: France up next

South Africa will face fourth-ranked France on Sunday, 7 September at 17:45 (SA time) in Northampton. Both sides are unbeaten, but the Springboks top the group thanks to a single log point.

While France enter as favourites, a win for South Africa would secure top spot in Pool D and change their quarter-final path.

Quarter-final scenarios

• If South Africa lose to France

  • They will finish as Pool D runners-up.

  • Their quarter-final would be on Saturday, 13 September at 14:00 (SA time).

  • Likely opponent: the winner of Pool C (either New Zealand or Ireland).

• If South Africa beat France

  • They would top Pool D.

  • Their quarter-final would be on Sunday, 14 September at 14:00 (SA time).

  • Likely opponent: the Pool C runners-up (New Zealand or Ireland).

Why this matters

This campaign is already historic for the Springbok Women, but a win against France would lift them into global contention and send a strong signal about the rise of women’s rugby in South Africa.

For fans eager to plan ahead, the safest bet is to mark Saturday, 13 September at 14:00 as the likely date for South Africa’s first-ever Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final.

Source: TheSouthAfrican

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