Unchanged pack and tactical tweaks set stage for must-win World Cup clash in York
The Springbok Women have reshuffled their backline ahead of Sunday’s Rugby World Cup clash against Italy in York, making tactical substitutions as if moving pieces on a chessboard before a decisive scrum.
Utility back Nadine Roos, who dotted down South Africa’s first try against Brazil, shifts to fullback to counter Italy’s kicking game, while Unam Tose takes command at scrumhalf. Byrhandré Dolf switches from fullback to the right wing, replacing Maceala Samboya, giving the Boks more firepower out wide.
Two fresh legs, Chumisa Qawe at inside centre and Eloise Webb off the bench, will make their tournament debuts. Qawe comes in for Aphiwe Ngwevu, who moves to the reserves alongside her Border Ladies teammate Webb.
Up front, the Springbok pack remains unchanged. De Bruin’s ironclad eight that steamrolled Brazil will again look to dominate set-pieces and inflict physical damage in the collisions.
Coach Swys de Bruin was clear: the adjustments are tactical tweaks, not wholesale changes.
“Italy kick for territory and prefer not to play in their own half. That’s where Nadine’s counterattack and Byrhandré’s spark in open play can turn defence into attack,” he said.
South Africa fell just short against Italy in last year’s WXV 2 due to their inability to handle the aerial game. This time, the Boks believe they’ve patched that chink in the armour.
For De Bruin, the stakes are high:
“A win almost guarantees us a playoff spot…that’s why we’re here. But to get there, we’ll need to be at our absolute best.”
Captain Nolusindiso Booi, leading the side again, said the team’s mindset is sharper than ever, their eyes fixed firmly on the tryline of destiny.
An unchanged pack and a few tweaks at the back for the #BokWomen's crunch #RWC2025 pool game against Italy on Sunday – more here: https://t.co/D7syVNPuk6 🇿🇦#PlusOne pic.twitter.com/w8F7IGMRPd
— SA Women's Rugby (@WomenBoks) August 29, 2025
“This result could change everything like breaking into the world’s top ten and keeping our playoff dream alive. We know what’s at stake, and we’re ready.”
Booi, set to extend her own record tally of caps, downplayed personal milestones:
“It’s about the growth of this group. We’ve come a long way, and we’re not stopping here.”
With Italy ranked eighth, Sunday’s showdown will be no friendly run-out. It’s knockout rugby in all but name.
For the Springbok Women, victory would be a statement: proof they are no longer outsiders, but contenders ready to tackle the world’s best head-on.
