Springbok Women’s coach Swys de Bruin reflects on the team’s 'big moment' against Italy

CapeTalk's John Maytham speaks to Swys de Bruin, head coach of the Springbok Women.

Listen below:

History was made in South African rugby on Sunday, 31 August, as the Springbok Women secured their place in the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals for the first time, defeating higher-ranked Italy in a dramatic clash in York.

In a nail-biting encounter, the women in green and gold triumphed 29-24, claiming their first win over Italy.

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Maytham says his tears rolled after the win.

De Bruin says the winning moment was 'fantastic' and 'one to remember'.

"... we were 13th on the World Ranking and they're seventh (Italy), so the bookmakers didn't give us a chance... great for South African rugby!"

- Swys de Bruin, Head Coach - Springbok Women

"Women's rugby has grown so much... they play a brand of rugby that's lovely to watch."

- Swys de Bruin, Head Coach - Springbok Women

"On that last kick, it was a miracle because that wind caught it, and the wind was swirling all game, and it just took a dip and bounced and went out, and that was enough... often you don't need too many things, you just need one or two correct bounces off a ball to pull a game off. For us, it's the first-ever quarterfinals, and it's the first time we're top 10 in the world ranking. We scored 15 tries in two games... It's fantastic!"

|- Swys de Bruin, Head Coach - Springbok Women

The Springbok Women will meet women's rugby powerhouse France, who are second in Pool D after thumping Brazil 84-5, on Sunday (7 September).

"We've got a very tough one ahead now against France, they're number four... the two games we won with bonus points, so we're top of the log with 10 points. Say it happens that we do lose against France, we're still going through to the quarters with them... we'd love to beat France and play Ireland. If we lose against France, we'll play the All Blacks... I don't know which one will suit us best. Ireland is structured and well-coached, whereas New Zealand is more of a flag team, and we're a physical South African team. It doesn't really matter which team we play in my opinion in the quarters."

- Swys de Bruin, Head Coach - Springbok Women

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