The Springbok Women qualified for the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time with a historic victory against Italy in York on Sunday.
South Africa triumphed 29-24 in a thrilling Pool D clash that swung back and forth.
The Boks made a fast start when No 8 Aseza Hele crashed over from the back of a dominant scrum before fullback Nadine Roos finished off a slick backline move after a turnover.
Italy hit back through fullback Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, but wing Ayanda Malinga restored the Boks’ advantage with a try in the corner after another powerful scrum.
Slick, sharp, sensational
A brilliant @WomenBoks set-piece ends with Ayanda Malinga flying over the line
#RWC2025 | #ITAvRSA pic.twitter.com/i9JMHIzaO2
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) August 31, 2025
The Azzurre struck twice either side of half time, with hooker Vittoria Vecchini scoring from a clever lineout move before sending flank Francesca Sgorbini over with an inside pass to level the scores at 17-17.
Replacement prop Yonela Ngxingolo and Italy’s Sara Seye then traded close-range tries to make it 24-24.
But with six minutes left, openside flank Sinazo Mcatshulwa powered over after a series of pick-and-goes to seal South Africa’s first-ever place in the World Cup knockout stage.
“This is absolutely amazing,” said Bok Women flyhalf Libbie Janse van Rensburg, who was named Player of the Match. “We had a job, we said we were going to be direct – this is what South Africa is about! People feel us when we are on the field and we appreciate all the support.”
“This [win] is massive. We spoke about changing history in South Africa for women’s rugby and today we did that.”
Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images
The post Bok Women make World Cup history appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Springbok Women qualified for the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time with a historic victory against Italy in York on Sunday.
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