Springbok Women Crush Brazil in Historic Rugby World Cup Opener

Springbok Women Crush Brazil in Historic Rugby World Cup Opener

The Springbok Women couldn’t have asked for a better start to their Rugby World Cup 2025 campaign. On Sunday night in Northampton, they stormed to a 66-6 victory over Brazil, a result that not only lifted spirits but also put South Africa firmly at the top of Pool D.

A Statement Win for Women’s Rugby in South Africa

The energy at Franklin’s Gardens was electric, with a strong South African crowd turning the English venue into a sea of green and gold. Fans on social media celebrated the victory as a “watershed moment” for women’s rugby back home, praising the team’s relentless pace and attacking flair.

South Africa has long carried the reputation of a rugby powerhouse on the men’s side, but performances like this from the Bok Women are shifting the spotlight. This wasn’t just a win; it was a declaration that South African women’s rugby belongs on the global stage.

Hele’s Hat-Trick Steals the Show

Aseza Hele was unstoppable. The No 8 powered her way through the Brazilian defence to score three tries in just 50 minutes, each one showcasing her blend of raw strength and deceptive speed. Hele’s dominance set the tone for the night, while Ayanda Malinga and Libbie Janse van Rensburg both added two tries each. Nadine Roos, Aphiwe Ngwevu (named Player of the Match), and Lerato Makua completed the scoring frenzy.

Ngwevu’s try in the second half came off the back of a powerful maul, drawing roars from fans who saw in her finish the grit and determination symbolic of Springbok rugby.

Brazil’s Brave First Step

For Brazil, this was their first-ever Rugby World Cup match. And although the scoreboard paints a harsh picture, the South Americans walked away with respect. Their defensive grit was undeniable: 130 tackles in the first half alone showed their resilience and refusal to fold under pressure. Fly-half Raquel Kochhann’s two penalty kicks gave the team moments of joy in what was otherwise a tough introduction to rugby’s biggest stage.

Social media reactions from Brazilian fans leaned more toward pride than disappointment. “The scoreboard doesn’t matter,” one post read. “We’re here, we’re fighting, and we’ll be back stronger.”

Looking Ahead: Italy and France Await

For coach Swys de Bruin’s side, the journey has only begun. Next up is Italy in York, followed by France back in Northampton. Both will be far sterner tests than Brazil, but the Springbok Women will head into those clashes with confidence sky-high.

The victory also adds a layer of anticipation back home, where South Africans are increasingly rallying behind the women’s side. In a year already filled with sporting highs and lows, the Springbok Women’s triumph has sparked something more enduring: belief.

Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreline

This match wasn’t just about points or pool standings. It was about representation, progress, and the steady rise of women’s rugby in South Africa. For young girls watching from Soweto to Stellenbosch, Sunday’s performance was more than a win it was an invitation to dream bigger.

As one fan put it on X: “This is the start of something special. Our Bok Women are showing the world what they can do.”

Source: SABC Sport 

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