Black Ferns pinpoint why Bok Women will be dangerous
SPOTLIGHT: It would be incredibly dangerous to underestimate the Springbok Women, warned Black Ferns assistant coach Steve Jackson ahead of their World Cup 2025 quarterfinal clash.
New Zealand will take on South Africa at Sandy Park in Exeter on Saturday.
This will be the first time the two teams go head-to-head in the play-offs.
For the defending champions, this is familiar territory. The Black Ferns have lifted the World Cup trophy a record six times and are well-versed in the pressures of knockout rugby.
Speaking to media this week, Jackson acknowledged the physical threat posed by the Springbok Women – but also pointed to their emotional edge of playing in their first quarterfinal as a potential game-changer.
“We know that it is their game – they are big, they are physical, and very direct,” Jackson said.
“It’s something to look at definitely, but I wouldn’t say that we are wary of it right now.
“What we will have to deal with is their passion. Being in their first quarterfinal, they’ll be fired up, especially in those first 20 minutes. It’s about how we can manage that emotion.
“We know what we are in for. We will give them every respect that they deserve.”
Despite a significant rankings gap – New Zealand are third in the world, while South Africa sit in 10th – Jackson insisted there would be no room for complacency.
“This is a quarterfinal. There is no tomorrow if you lose.
“We cannot be complacent. We will have to be at our best to come out on top.
“This isn’t pool play anymore – if you win, you move forward; if you lose, you are back on the airplane the next day going home. We understand how big this game is. We are going to leave no stone unturned this week.”
One player central to the Black Ferns’ past World Cup triumphs is Stacey Waaka.
The 29-year-old has already claimed two World Cup titles (2017 and 2021) and has never lost a quarterfinal match.
With knockout rugby looming once again, Waaka is encouraging her teammates to fully embrace the moment.
The Black Ferns return to Sandy Park for the clash – the same venue where they convincingly beat Japan 62-19 earlier in the tournament.
But Waaka knows the intensity will be different in a quarterfinal.
“The biggest thing is telling the girls to embrace everything that it brings,” Waaka said.
“There are more people in the stadium, it’s louder, there’s more pressure, and all the outside noise.
“You have to think of it calmly and not try to shy away from it; don’t try to block it out. It’s more about seeing it, hearing it, feeling it – and feeling like you are ready for the challenge.
“The noise won’t go away, so you might as well deal with it somehow and continue playing our game.”
