Swys De Bruin Full of Praise As Springbok Women Make History with First-Ever World Cup Quarterfinal Spot

South African rugby history was rewritten on Sunday evening in York, where the Springbok Women fought their way to a 29-24 victory over Italy to secure a first-ever spot in the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinals.

For a squad that has been building momentum quietly in the shadows of the men’s game, this win wasn’t just about advancing in the tournament it was about validation, legacy, and pride.

Swys de Bruin: “We Changed History”

Head coach Swys de Bruin, visibly emotional after the final whistle, summed up the moment: “I am so proud of everyone. This was really a team effort, not only from those here in England but also our support structures back home. We changed history today.”

De Bruin praised his team’s composure after Italy, drawing on their Six Nations pedigree, twice clawed their way back into the game. At 17-5 up, South Africa looked in control, but the Italians refused to go quietly. The Boks, however, matched every challenge with tactical precision and unrelenting belief.

De Bruin’s Captain: Booi’s Emotional Farewell Journey

Captain Nolusindiso Booi, playing in her fourth and final Rugby World Cup, called the performance “magic.” For her, this moment carried even deeper meaning: “This win was for all who came before us, those who paved the way. Look at where we started and look where we are now in the top ten of the world game. I will not play rugby again at this level after this tournament, so to achieve this is just such a humble feeling of gratitude.”

Booi’s words echoed far beyond the stadium in York, resonating with South Africans who have followed the often-overlooked journey of women’s rugby. On X (formerly Twitter), fans flooded timelines with messages of pride, many calling the victory “a turning point for women’s sport in South Africa.”

De Bruin’s Team Breaks Into the Top Ten

The win not only secured a playoff berth but also catapulted South Africa into the world’s top ten for the first time. For a nation with a rich rugby heritage, this milestone is symbolic a sign that the women’s game is beginning to command the respect it deserves.

Social media reactions reflected this shift, with one fan writing: “From backyard pitches to top ten in the world. These women deserve our full support. This is more than rugby it’s history.”

Swys Looks Ahead: Next Test Against France

The Springbok Women will now return to Northampton, where they crushed Brazil in their opener, to prepare for their final pool clash against France the other unbeaten team in their group. The French pose a formidable challenge, but after rewriting history, South Africa will head into the match with belief coursing through their veins.

Whether or not the journey extends beyond the quarterfinals, the significance of this campaign is already secure. For the players, the coaches, and the generations of women who played without the spotlight, the message is clear: South Africa’s women belong on rugby’s biggest stage.

Source:The South African 

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