Springbok Women Banking On Power Game To Break Italy Hurdle At World Cup

The Springbok Women are chasing a slice of history. After hammering Brazil with a 10-try display last weekend, the team in green and gold have shifted their attention to Italy, knowing that victory on Sunday will seal their first-ever Rugby World Cup quarter-final spot.

Fresh Focus After Brazil High

The squad regrouped at St. John Community University in York this week, shaking off the celebrations of their emphatic win. Assistant coach Franzel September admitted that while the Brazil triumph gave the team momentum, the focus had quickly turned to the tougher task ahead.

“You can’t live off past results at a World Cup,” he explained. “We celebrated the win, but Italy is all that matters now. They’re experienced, they kick well, and they’ll test us in ways Brazil didn’t.”

Set-Piece Strength Vs Italian Experience

One of South Africa’s biggest weapons has been their set-piece dominance. Against Brazil, the Bok Women not only held firm in the scrum but also stole four lineouts. Italy, meanwhile, struggled in that department against France, but September warned against reading too much into it.

“They’ll work hard to fix their set piece,” he said. “We can’t expect the same issues. For us, it’s about sticking to our power game, because when we front up physically, we get the results.”

A Growing Rivalry With Italy

This fixture comes with some history. The two sides last met in Cape Town during the WXV 2 competition, where Italy edged South Africa twice 36-18 in 2023 and 23-19 in 2024. But those results also showed the narrowing gap between the sides.

Now, with renewed confidence, September believes this could be the moment South Africa turn the tables. “We’re well prepared, we’ve built self-belief, and we feel this can be our best World Cup ever,” he said.

Public Buzz And Local Pride

On social media, fans have been rallying behind the squad, praising their physicality and never-say-die spirit. Many South Africans are calling this team the “trailblazers” of women’s rugby, pointing out how their performances are inspiring young girls back home. Rugby fans have been particularly vocal about the set-piece power, with some saying the Bok Women are finally showing the same “forward muscle” that the men’s team is known for.

What’s Next

The match against Italy kicks off at York Community Stadium on Sunday. A win will not only secure a top-two finish in Pool D but also cement South Africa’s growing reputation as a force in women’s rugby.

The team will name their final squad on Friday, with winger Byrhandré Dolf expected to be fit despite a minor calf strain.

For now, all eyes are on York, where the Springbok Women hope their power game will carry them one step closer to a historic World Cup quarter-final.