The Springbok Women wrote their names into Rugby World Cup history, pulling off a stunning 29-24 victory over Italy this past weekend. Ranked four places below the Azzurre, South Africa produced an unforgettable performance to claim their first-ever win over Italy—and edge closer to a spot in the quarter-finals.
South Africa came out flying, with Aseza Hele crashing over inside the first minute to set the tone. The Bok Women ran in four more tries through Nadine Roos, Ayanda Malinga, Sizophila Solontsi, and Sinazo Mcatshulwa, showing speed, power, and ruthless finishing.
The match reached boiling point in the final minutes. With the scores tied at 24-24, South Africa turned down a penalty shot and backed their scrum. Italy pounced and cleared through Beatrice Rigoni, but Libbie Janse van Rensburg—later crowned player of the match—pulled off a miraculous fingertip save to keep the ball in play. Seconds later, the Azzurre cracked under pressure, and the Springboks sealed a famous win as York erupted.
The Italians didn’t go quietly. Tries from Francesca Sgorbini and Sara Seye, plus Rigoni’s accuracy with the boot, kept them level until the dying stages. Their grit was clear—nine of the top ten tacklers on the field wore blue.
In the end, the Springbok pack was unstoppable. Scrum dominance gave them the edge, and Mcatshulwa’s late pick-and-go try delivered the killer blow.
England, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, and France have also secured their places in the quarter-finals after the weekend’s fixtures.
Collated Results
Saturday 30 August 2025
Canada 42-0 Wales
Scotland 29-15 Fiji
England 92-3 Samoa
USA 31-31 Australia
Sunday 31 August 2025
Ireland 43-27 Spain
New Zealand 62-19 Japan
Italy 24-29 South Africa
France 84-5 Brazil
Upcoming Fixtures
Saturday 6 September 2025
Canada v Scotland
USA v Samoa
Wales v Fiji
England v Australia
Sunday 7 September 2025
Japan v Spain
Italy v Brazil
New Zealand v Ireland
France v South Africa
English