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

Springbok women ’s centre Zintle Mpupha has vowed that her side will give everything against New Zealand in their Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final at Sandy Park, in Exeter, on Saturday. Kick-off is at 2pm. The Kiwis are massive favourites for the clash as they are ranked third in the world while the Springboks recently moved up two spots to 10th. The Springboks lost 57-10 to fourth-ranked France in Northampton to wrap up their group campaign last week, and would have had time to work out where they went wrong. https://iol.co.za/sport/rugby/2025-09-12-zintle-mpuphas-promise-to-springbok-womens-fans-we-will-leave-our-hearts-on-that-field/

Springbok women ’s centre Zintle Mpupha has vowed that her charges will give everything against New Zealand in their Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final at Sandy Park, in Exeter, on Saturday. Kick-off is at 2pm. The Kiwis are massive favourites for the clash as they are ranked third in the world while the Springboks recently moved up two spots to 10th. The Springboks lost 57-10 to fourth-ranked France in Northampton to wrap up their group campaign last week, and would have had time to work out where they went wrong. Historic Achievement: Bok Women Reach World Cup Knockout Stage for First Time “It’s massive— not just for us as players, but for women’s rugby in South Africa,” Mpupha told IOL in an exclusive interview. “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. It’s ticking yet another box to a lot of us.” Mpupha’s Heartfelt Message to Supporters Before the Crucial Match “Thank you for being our ‘Plus One’, always standing by us and believing in us. Your support means everything — it lifts us in the tough moments and drives us to give our all. “Keep backing us, keep believing, because we are playing for you and for South Africa. Whatever happens, we promise to leave our hearts on that field.” @Michael_Sherman IOL Sport https://magic828.co.za/zintle-mpuphas-promise-to-springbok-womens-fans-we-will-leave-our-hearts-on-that-field/

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.

The Springbok Women have never been here before. For the first time in history, South Africa will contest a Rugby World Cup quarterfinal, and as the team prepares to face New Zealand in Exeter this weekend, the moment feels bigger than a single match. It is a milestone for women’s sport, a reward for years of persistence, and a glimpse into a future where South Africa’s women take their rightful place on rugby’s biggest stage. The journey to this point has been shaped by resilience. A powerful win over Italy set the tone, followed by a spirited performance against France. Now, with Pool D behind them, the Bok Women carry both momentum and belief into the knockout rounds. At the heart of this campaign are players who have come to symbolise the team’s spirit. Zintle Mpupha , a stalwart of the squad, brings calm authority and adaptability, qualities honed over a career that has taken her from local fields in the Eastern Cape to the world stage. Nadine Roos , meanwhile, has been one of the standout playmakers of the tournament, using her pace, vision, and tenacity to trouble opposition defences and inspire her teammates. Both players know exactly what lies ahead against the reigning world champions. “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,” says Mpupha. “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. We respect them, but we also back ourselves to compete and leave everything on the field.” Roos builds on that belief, highlighting the mindset in camp. “We know this is a knockout – if you win you get to stay, if you lose you’re on a plane back to South Africa. Our approach is no different: we want to win, and we believe we can do it if we implement the systems both on attack and defence that the coaches have put in place. We know they are the World Champs and 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.” Looking back at the France result, Roos is honest but optimistic. “It’s never nice losing, and with the score like that it didn’t reflect how the game really went,” she explains. “There were a lot of positives to take, and I believe it’s up to us as experienced players to pick the group up, focus on the learnings, and not dwell on mistakes. The ladies really played their hearts out, and we take that fight with us into the quarterfinal.” For Mpupha, the significance of Saturday goes beyond rugby. This is not just another fixture on the calendar; it is the culmination of years of sacrifice, of moments when opportunities for women were scarce and belief was the only fuel.  To now stand on the cusp of a Rugby World Cup quarterfinal – wearing the green and gold in front of a global audience – is both deeply personal and profoundly symbolic. “It’s massive — not just for us as players, but for women’s rugby in South Africa,” she says. “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.” As the team prepares for one of the biggest moments of their lives, both players share the same message with the supporters who have carried them this far. For Nadine Roos , this moment is layered with pride and perspective. Once a sevens specialist who switched codes to test herself at the highest level, Roos has become one of the Bok Women’s most influential figures. Her attacking flair, composure under pressure, and relentless work ethic have made her a role model for younger players who now see a pathway that once barely existed. Both players share the same message with the supporters who have carried them this far. “Thank you for being our PlusOne, always standing by us and believing in us,” they say. “Your support lifts us in the tough moments and drives us to give our all. Whatever happens, know that we are playing for you, for South Africa, and we will leave everything on that field. Keep backing us, keep believing – because this journey is only just beginning.” On Saturday, the Springbok Women will take to the field against the most decorated team in women’s rugby. Win or lose, they have already broken barriers, inspired thousands, and etched their names into history. For Mpupha, Roos, and their teammates, this is more than a quarterfinal. It is proof that South African women’s rugby has arrived – and it is here to stay. https://southafricatoday.net/sport-news/rugby/history-in-motion-springbok-women-embrace-world-cup-quarterfinal-challenge/

Following their milestone victory over Italy over the weekend, a couple of players stood out with their fine performances, which led to the Springboks women qualifying for the Rugby World Cup knockout stages for the first time in their history. Though it was undoubtedly a combined team effort, player of the match Libbie Janse van Rensburg at flyhalf truly shone. With Nadine Roos shifting from fullback to scrumhalf during the match, the partnership with Janse van Rensburg resulted in some dominant phases of play and most notably a couple of vital scores. Both Roos and Janse van Rensburg combined for a key team try during the encounter, as the understanding between the two star players proved pivotal. https://iol.co.za/sport/rugby/2025-09-04-nadine-roos-and-libbie-janse-van-rensburg-two-standouts-in-rising-springbok-side/

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Such is her commitment to the cause that Springbok women ’s Zintle Mpupha is unconcerned by which position she plays, as helping the team out any way she can is always the main objective. That quality could stand her in good stead at the Women’s Rugby World Cup ( RWC ) in England, as the SA outfit is optimistic about making it out of the pool stage. South Africa kick off their Group D campaign on August 24 against Brazil in Northampton. Their next matches are against Italy, in York, on August 31, and France, in Northampton, on September 7. The match against Brazil could be pivotal for the Bok women, as it will be their only clash as favourites.

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana have booked their place in the quarter-finals with a confident and commanding win over Mali, continuing their impressive run on the continental stage. From the opening whistle, Banyana Banyana set the tone with confidence and intent, controlling the tempo through crisp passing, tactical discipline, and explosive pace out wide. It took just five minutes for South Africa to find the opener - a flowing move down the right flank ended with Lebohang Ramalepe finishing smartly to give Banyana an early lead. Mali struggled to find rhythm against South Africa’s structured and compact defence. Known for their physical approach and long-range strikes, the West Africans were consistently denied space and time on the ball. Refiloe Jane doubled the advantage in the 32nd minute, capitalising on sustained pressure and expertly placing her effort beyond the keeper. After the break, the intensity didn’t drop. Hildah Magaia made it 3–0 just after the hour mark, latching onto a turnover deep in Mali’s half and calmly slotting home. The final blow came in the 79th minute when Ronnel Tammlyn Donnelly found the back of the net, sealing a comprehensive 4–0 victory. It was a statement performance from Banyana Banyana - composed, clinical, and commanding, as they march confidently into the quarter-finals. As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 4-0 to South Africa, but the performance said even more. It was a match that underlined the squad’s growth, tactical discipline, and hunger to go further. Now into the quarter-finals, Banyana Banyana carry the hopes of a nation - and with momentum on their side, they’re showing all the signs of a team ready to challenge for the title.

South Africa kicked off their T20I Tri-Series campaign with a composed five-wicket win over Zimbabwe, chasing down 141 with 11 balls to spare in a well-paced, professional outing in Harare. Image - Cricket Fanatics Mag Zimbabwe, who were put in to bat, managed 141 for 6 in their 20 overs, a total that looked competitive early on but ultimately fell short on a surface offering both bounce and turn. The home side’s innings never quite gathered the explosive momentum they needed, thanks largely to the Proteas' disciplined bowling attack - and the standout performance of George Linde. Linde was electric with the ball, finishing with match-winning figures of 3 for 10 in his four overs. The left-arm spinner struck in the powerplay and came back to stifle Zimbabwe’s middle order just as they looked to build a platform. What stood out wasn’t just the wickets - it was the control. Every over he bowled tightened the noose, using flight, turn and subtle variations to outfox the batters. His spell changed the tone of the innings and ensured Zimbabwe were always chasing stability rather than dominance. In response, South Africa’s batting line-up handled the chase with composure. Rubin Hermann laid the foundation with a steady 45, guiding the early part of the innings before his dismissal. Dewald Brevis followed with a lively 41, injecting momentum just when it was needed. As Zimbabwe looked to claw their way back with a few timely breakthroughs, it was the composed pairing of Corbin Bosch and George Linde who stepped in during the final stretch, calmly steering South Africa to victory with 11 balls to spare. There’s a sense of measured confidence in this Proteas unit - and with bowlers like Linde hitting their stride early in the series, the signs are promising for what lies ahead.

The green and gold are back in action — and if the first Test of the season gave you serious FOMO, don’t worry. South African rugby fans have plenty to look forward to as the Springboks gear up for an action-packed 2025 home series that will see them take on Italy, Georgia, Australia, and Argentina across six iconic cities. SA Rugby Whether you're a die-hard Bok supporter or simply love the electric atmosphere of Test rugby, this is your chance to witness the world champions on home turf — from Pretoria to Cape Town, and everywhere in between. The Cities, The Stadiums, The Spectacle SA Rugby has officially confirmed the venues for the 2025 home Test matches, with the Boks set to light up stadiums in: Pretoria Gqeberha Nelspruit Johannesburg Cape Town Durban Each city brings its own flavour and fan energy to the series, promising unforgettable moments and sold-out crowds. 2025 Springbok Home Fixture Line-Up 📍 12 July – Gqeberha - South Africa vs Italy - Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium 📍 19 July – Mbombela (Nelspruit) - South Africa vs Georgia - Mbombela Stadium 📍 16 August – Johannesburg - South Africa vs Australia - FNB Stadium 📍 23 August – Cape Town - South Africa vs Australia - DHL Stadium 📍 27 September – Durban - South Africa vs Argentina - Hollywoodbets Kings Park Why This Series Matters Coming off the back of their global dominance, the Springboks are not just defending their title — they’re setting the tone for the next era of South African rugby. These home games offer local fans the rare chance to be part of the journey and witness world-class talent, strategy, and raw power unfold live. Get Your Tickets – Before They’re Gone With venues filling fast and rugby fever spreading, now is the time to secure your seats. Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip to one of the host cities or cheering from your hometown, the energy inside the stadiums promises to be nothing short of electric. TICKETS LINK Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action, the anthem, and the roar of a united crowd.

After more than a decade in the green and gold, Mathrin Simmers has made the decision to hang up her boots — closing a remarkable chapter in South African women’s rugby. SA Rugby The 37-year-old has been a mainstay in the Springbok Women’s Sevens setup since 2012, representing South Africa in 21 HSBC SVNS events, three Rugby World Cup Sevens tournaments, two Commonwealth Games, and most recently, the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. She also featured in five World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series tournaments and nine Rugby Africa Women’s Cup events — a testament to both her longevity and consistency at the highest level. Quietly consistent yet fiercely competitive, Simmers has earned her place through grit, grace, and unwavering commitment. Her career is studded with milestones — but perhaps her greatest impact has been inspiring the next generation. Every time she stepped onto the field, she carried the dreams of young girls watching from the sidelines, daring to believe they could be next. “I’ve given my everything to the jersey,” Simmers reflected. “Now it’s time to make space — for new stories, new leaders, and new dreams.” From her early days to becoming one of the most capped players in South African women’s rugby, Simmers’ influence has extended far beyond the scoreboard. Known for her explosive speed, sharp vision, and composure under pressure, she’s also been a quiet leader — showing what it means to carry the hopes of a team, and a generation, with humility. Her decision to step away marks more than the end of a career — it’s the celebration of a legacy. One built not on headlines, but on heart. Teammates call her “unshakeable,” a “rock in the backline,” while coaches praise her work ethic and team-first mentality. Simmers leaves with no regrets — only pride in what’s been achieved, and hope for what’s to come. Though she may be stepping off the field, her impact will echo for years to follow. In a sport still carving out its space, Mathrin Simmers stood tall. She didn’t just play the game — she helped shape its future.