Springbok Women exit Rugby World Cup with heads held high

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa’s Springbok Women concluded their Rugby World Cup run with a 46–17 quarter-final defeat to the New Zealand Black Ferns at Sandy Park on Saturday.

Despite the loss, the South Africans can hold their heads high. After reaching the quarter-finals for the first time, they stayed in the fight against a classy Kiwi team and gave it their all.

“What a performance by this team, coming into the tournament ranked 12th in the world and leaving it as one of the top eight sides,” said Bok Women head coach Swys de Bruin.

In previous Women’s Rugby World Cups, South Africa had only won three matches out of 18, but they played some breathtaking rugby against Brazil and Italy on their way to victory and held the Black Ferns to 10-10 at the half-time break.

“We did some unconventional things today, yes, but we had to try and think out of the box a bit,” de Bruin said.

“Our two-player lineout, followed by a 15-player lineout, certainly had New Zealand baffled, and we could score two very good tries against them in the first half.

“nfortunately, we conceded three quick tries after the break, and the game got away from us, but this team refused to stop fighting and added another try, which was yet another milestone for us. Off the field, the players did really well, and it is such a blessing to be part of this team and their journey. A lot of good things came from this World Cup, and the amount of messages of support was incredible. They certainly won the hearts of many.

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Bok Women captain Nolusindiso Booi said it was a performance everyone will be proud of.

“We really had them confused at the end of the first half with our tactics, and they did not have all the answers to combat our mauls with so many players in it, for example,” Booi said.

“The quality team they are, they did outplay us in the second half and deserved to win, but I know we left nothing out there, and every player should be proud of what they didout there today.”

The Bok captain, who was playing in her fourth World Cup, said they are leaving the tournament with their heads held high.