RWC 2025: South Africa v New Zealand - teams and prediction
QUARTERFINAL PREVIEW: It’s a classic David v Goliath battle when the Springbok Women take on the mighty Black Ferns in the 2025 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal this Saturday.
New Zealand will enter the play-off as clear favourites against South Africa, having dominated the group stages in convincing fashion.
The Black Ferns are among the form teams of the tournament, racking up massive wins over Spain, Japan, and Ireland on their path to the knockouts. The defending champions are on a mission to claim their seventh World Cup title – an incredible feat in the women’s game.
In stark contrast, the Springbok Women are entering uncharted territory, reaching their first-ever quarterfinal following hard-fought victories over Brazil and Italy in the opening rounds.
A heavy loss to France in round three meant South Africa finished second in Pool D, but the team remains optimistic.
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“Having beaten the Black Ferns ‘B’ side in Cape Town and Italy, who are ranked 7th, gave us confidence,” said head coach Swys de Bruin, adding: “So now it is a matter of belief that anything can happen.
“But in saying that, we respect them. They are one of the top sides. They’ve won six World Cups. They’ve got these incredible athletes.”
The coach said it is important for his side to stay process-driven.
“We focus on what we do, on our strengths, on the next scrum, on the next pass.
“We’re not going to get ahead of ourselves.”
Despite the odds, there’s a quiet confidence within the Springbok camp.
“There’s nothing on us. I see the bookmakers are huge against us.
“You can make some big money there.
“But I’ve seen with these ladies, if you put the bar there, they push it higher. They are unreal if it comes to challenging them.”
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Black Ferns head coach Allan Bunting praised his team’s form but admitted there is still room for improvement, which is scary if you’re a South African supporter.
“We were proud of our performance last week. There are areas across the field that we want to improve and build on, and certainly want to get better. We know what’s coming this weekend with South Africa. We are here on a mission and this weekend is really important for us.”
On the Springbok physicality, he stated: “There has been a bit of a focus on that, but we’re pretty physical too, and they probably haven’t come up against a team like that.”
Prediction:
Rugby365: Similar to last week, I have this massive sense of hope that the Bok Women can cause an upset.
However, the challenge will be difficult. Therefore, I’ll say Black Ferns by 12 points.
Teams:
South Africa: 15 Byrhandré Dolf, 14 Maceala Samboya, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 11 Ayanda Malinga, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Nadine Roos, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Danelle Lochner, 4 Nolusindiso Booi (captain), 3 Babalwa Latsha, 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie.
Replacements: 16 Luchell Hanekom, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Vainah Ubisi, 20 Anathi Qolo, 21 Lerato Makua, 22 Catha Jacobs, 23 Eloise Webb.
New Zealand: 15 Renee Holmes, 14 Braxton Sorensen-McGee, 13 Stacey Waaka, 12 Theresa Setefano, 11 Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, 10 Ruahei Demant (co-captain), 9 Maia Joseph, 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 7 Jorja Miller, 6 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 5 Alana Bremner, 4 Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 3 Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, 2 Georgia Ponsonby, 1 Chryss Viliko.
Replacements: 16 Atlanta Lolohea, 17 Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, 18 Kate Henwood, 19 Laura Bayfield, 20 Kennedy Tukuafu (co-captain), 21 Iritana Hohaia, 22 Amy du Plessis, 23 Ayesha Leti-I’iga.
Date: Saturday, September 13
Venue: Sandy Park, Exeter
Kick-off: 13.00 (12.00 GMT; 14.00 SAST; 00.00 NZST Sunday, September 14)
Referee: Sara Cox (England)
Assistant referees: Ella Goldsmith (Australia) & Kat Roche (USA)
TMO: Rachel Horton (Australia)
