Bok Women break barriers – Now history awaits.

The Springbok Women have reached uncharted territory. For the first time in history, South Africa will contest a Rugby World Cup quarter-final when they face New Zealand in Exeter on Saturday. For the players and coaches, the moment represents far more than a single fixture. It is a milestone in women’s sport, the product of years of perseverance, and a sign that South African women’s rugby has taken its rightful place on the global stage.

Head coach Swys de Bruin has named a strong side for the clash with the reigning world champions, including the return of captain Nolusindiso Booi at lock. The team features 10 changes to the line-up that faced France, with several senior players restored after being rested.

De Bruin opted for a bold seven-one split on the bench, with Eloise Webb providing the only backline cover. “We decided on the 7-1 split because of the profile of our team,” De Bruin explained. “We are a team that like to dominate upfront and playing two fresh packs – in each half – against the Black Ferns is a tactical decision. We rested all those players against France to be ready for this Test and now it is time for them to take on New Zealand with fresh legs and eager minds.”

The coach admitted the gulf between the sides on paper, but underlined the progress South Africa has made. “They have won the World Cup six times already; we did not even enter the qualification play-offs in 2017 and lost all our matches in 2022, that is how far behind we are. Their passing ability and accuracy are amazing, but that said, we have improved so much, and few teams will beat our heart and guts.”

For experienced campaigners like Zintle Mpupha, the significance of Saturday goes beyond tactics. “It’s massive,  not just for us as players, but for women’s rugby in South Africa,” she said. “To be part of history, to take the Bok Women into a World Cup knockout stage for the first time, is truly special. It’s a dream come true, and we carry the pride of our families, our communities, and everyone who has supported us on this journey. It’s bigger than just a game.”

Nadine Roos, who will start at scrum-half, echoed that determination. “We know the challenge that comes with facing New Zealand,  they are one of the best teams in the world, let alone the fact that they are defending World Cup champions. But we’re not going into the game with fear. For us, it’s about focusing on our systems, sticking to our plan, and showing the fight and resilience that defines the Bok Women.”

She added: “This is a knockout, if you win you get to stay, if you lose you’re on a plane back to South Africa. We want to win, and we believe we can do it if we implement what the coaches have put in place. They’ve won the Cup six times, but they are human just like us, and this game will come down to who wants it most.”

The match will see Libbie Janse van Rensburg return at fly-half, with Mpupha in the midfield and Ayanda Malinga on the wing. Booi and vice-captain Babalwa Latsha will lead a pack designed to take the physical contest to the Black Ferns.

De Bruin had a simple message for his squad ahead of the biggest match of their careers: “Leave nothing on the field. We will carry you off if you are too tired to walk at the end of it. This is the biggest game of your life, go out and enjoy it.”

For Mpupha, Roos and their teammates, the quarter-final is already a triumph. They have broken barriers, inspired thousands, and etched their names into history. Win or lose, the Springbok Women will take to the field in Exeter knowing that South African women’s rugby has arrived — and it is here to stay.

Springbok Women team to face New Zealand in Exeter:

15 Byrhandré Dolf, 14 Maceala Samboya, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 11 Ayanda Malinga, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Nadine Roos, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Danelle Lochner, 4 Nolusindiso Booi (captain), 3 Babalwa Latsha (vice-captain), 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie.

Replacements: 16 Luchell Hanekom, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Vainah Ubisi, 20 Anathi Qolo, 21 Lerato Makua, 22 Catha Jacobs, 23 Eloise Webb.