Springbok Women Lean On Experience As They Open Rugby World Cup Against Brazil

The Springbok Women are stepping onto the biggest stage once again, and this time, they’re doing it with a team brimming with battle-tested experience. On Sunday, South Africa will face Brazil at Franklin’s Garden in Northampton in their opening clash of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

A Squad Built On History And Hard Lessons

Coach Swys de Bruin has put his faith in a group that knows the intensity of this tournament all too well. Only six of the 23 players have never played at a World Cup, with the likes of Nolusindiso Booi, Babalwa Latsha, Zintle Mpupha and Libbie Janse van Rensburg providing the backbone of a seasoned squad.

For captain Booi, Sunday is not just another day on the field. She will extend her record as the most capped Springbok Woman with 52 appearances and her 25th as skipper. It’s a milestone that reflects not only her longevity but also the growth of the women’s game since her debut World Cup in 2010.

“This team is better prepared than we’ve ever been,” Booi said in the build-up. “Now it’s our responsibility to deliver and show how far the women’s game has come in South Africa.”

Brazil: Dangerous Underdogs

The Springboks may have the history, but their opponents bring unpredictability. Brazil arrive at the World Cup as newcomers, but with a dangerous edge thanks to their core of sevens players. Their pace and flair could test South Africa if the game becomes too loose.

Coach De Bruin acknowledged the threat. “Brazil may be ranked lower, but they’ll come at us with everything they have. Our focus is on sticking to our structure, staying measured, and making sure we start this tournament strongly.”

Records Waiting To Be Broken

Sunday also carries the weight of personal milestones.

• Janse van Rensburg, already South Africa’s all-time points scorer with 209, could push that tally further.

• Mpupha, with 20 tries, has the chance to set a new benchmark for finishing.

• Latsha, Mcatshulwa and Gwala will extend their positional records for most appearances.

But the message from the camp has been clear: the opener is about collective effort, not individual accolades.

A Defining Moment For South African Women’s Rugby

For many fans, the match is more than just the beginning of a campaign. It’s a symbol of how far the women’s game has come back home. Social media has already been buzzing with pride, with supporters hailing Booi’s leadership and praising the squad’s balance of experience and youthful energy.

The Springbok Women have endured heavy defeats at past World Cups, but this generation believes they’re ready to flip the script. Their best-ever World Cup result came back in 2010, and with unprecedented preparation behind them, they’ll hope to set a new standard in England this time.

As Booi put it, “We know what’s at stake. This isn’t just about us. It’s about showing young girls back home that South African women belong on the world stage.”

The whistle blows at 15:45 SA time. For the Springbok Women, history calls again