The Springbok Women crashed through the gain line of history in York on Sunday, scoring their first-ever victory over Italy and booking a maiden spot in the Rugby World Cup play-offs.
Coach Swys de Bruin’s charges showed grit and guile in a 29-24 triumph that had all the drama of a final whistle conversion.
Having stumbled in three previous clashes with the Azzurri, South Africa finally crossed the tryline of destiny, vaulting into the world’s top ten rankings for the first time.
Reaction from the #BokWomen in York: “The performance was magic, we never stopped fighting, knowing what was at stake” – more here: https://t.co/GRIwBMWFqH 🗣#RWC2025 #PlusOne pic.twitter.com/uvXXWf8bD0
— SA Women's Rugby (@WomenBoks) August 31, 2025
De Bruin, beaming like a coach watching his pack dominate a scrum, praised the team’s never-say-die defence and sharp tactical kicking that kept Italy guessing.
“We stuck to the gameplan, hit them hard up front, and cut loose in the backs with tries that lit up the pitch,” he said.
“This was a squad effort, from the players on the field to the support team back home.”
Italy twice clawed back to level the scoreboard, but the Boks refused to roll over. With each charge they played like a side desperate to win the breakdown battle and in the end, it was their hunger that carried them over the line.
Captain Nolusindiso Booi, in her fourth and final World Cup, said the result was more than a victory, it was a statement.
“This was for everyone who wore the green and gold before us. We fought for every inch, and today we made history.
“To finish my career knowing we’re in the top ten is the greatest reward.”
With back-to-back pool wins over Brazil and now Italy*, the Boks head to Northampton with tails up for a heavyweight clash against unbeaten France.
For now, though, De Bruin’s side can savour a landmark win, proof that the Springbok Women have finally joined rugby’s top tier scrum.
