Springbok Women Take Lessons from France Loss as Black Ferns Showdown Looms

The Springbok Women may have been outmuscled 57–10 by France, but coach Swys de Bruin insists the heavy defeat is far from a disaster. Instead, he believes it offered a valuable reality check and, more importantly, an opportunity to prepare for their biggest test yet: a Rugby World Cup quarter-final against defending champions New Zealand.

A tough day in Northampton

Played at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton, the match against world No.4 France always promised to be a battle. South Africa, ranked 10th, had already secured qualification after wins over Brazil and Italy, and De Bruin opted to rotate his squad. Nine regular starters were rested, giving fringe players and newcomers a chance to taste World Cup rugby.

France’s polished set-piece and scrum dominance proved too much for the Bok pack, but De Bruin saw value in the exposure.

“We fought right to the end, that’s a positive,” he said. “Another positive is that we rested players for the quarter-final and gave exposure to young girls who hadn’t played yet. We learnt a lot.”

A wake up call before the Black Ferns

France’s power reminded the Boks of the gulf between emerging teams and the sport’s heavyweights. The loss, De Bruin admitted, was a lesson in accuracy and physicality at the top level.

“They taught us in the scrums,” he explained. “We did well until we met them, and they showed us what world-class looks like.”

The coach is now leaning on forwards specialist Laurian Johannes-Haupt to help sharpen the team’s approach before facing the Black Ferns, who are chasing back-to-back titles.

“Laurian is clever and she’ll work out a plan,” De Bruin said with confidence. “We take this on the chin. Sixteen teams started, eight have gone home, and South Africa is still here. That’s what matters.”

Public reaction: pride in progress

On social media, South African fans struck a supportive tone. Many acknowledged the gulf in class against France but praised the Boks for reaching the last eight of the tournament. One fan wrote, “This is part of the journey our women are breaking barriers and making history.” Another added, “Win or lose, they’ve made us proud. The Black Ferns game is a bonus.”

Why this matters for women’s rugby in SA

Women’s rugby in South Africa is still finding its feet compared to traditional powerhouses. Reaching the quarter-finals in England already marks progress, especially as the sport continues to grow at grassroots level back home.

For the players, every minute against opposition like France offers lessons that will shape the future of the team. And for supporters, it’s a reminder that the Springbok Women are steadily climbing towards the top table of the world game.

As they prepare for the Black Ferns in Exeter, the message from De Bruin is clear: the Springbok Women are still standing, still fighting, and still learning.

Source: SABC Sport

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com