Springboks’ Nadine Roos on underdogs tag against New Zealand: They are human too

In the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final, emphasising the importance of strategy and belief despite being heavy underdogs. Picture: Adrian Dennis / AFP

Image: Adrian Dennis / AFP

There’s no disputing that the Springbok women come into their Women’s Rugby World Cup (RWC) quarter-final against New Zealand as massive underdogs, but SA’s star scrumhalf Nadine Roos believes her side is well equipped to take on the giants of the game.

The Springboks have only just cracked the top-10 in the Women’s World Rugby rankings, while New Zealand are third in the world and defending RWC champions.

The much-anticipated clash takes place at Sandy Park, in Exeter, on Saturday.

Roos, who scored a scintillating try in her side’s final group game, a 57-10 defeat to France, acknowledged the huge challenge which lay ahead.

https://dfa.co.za/sport/rugby/2025-09-12-springboks-nadine-roos-on-underdogs-tag-against-new-zealand-they-are-human-too/