VIDEO: '15-man line-out': Springbok Women's unforgettable quarterfinal
The Springbok Women can return home with pride, knowing they’ve done their country proud – and sent a powerful message to the rest of the world.
Their Rugby World Cup 2025 campaign came to an end with a 17-46 quarterfinal defeat to the reigning champions, the Black Ferns, at Sandy Park on Saturday.
But the scoreline tells only part of the story.
Heading into the clash, the odds were stacked against the South Africans. Not only was this their first-ever quarterfinal appearance, but they were also facing New Zealand, the six-time World Cup champions.
Despite the uphill battle, the Springbok Women shocked the Exeter crowd with an inspiring first-half performance.
They held the Black Ferns to a 10-all scoreline at the break, a first time in the history of New Zealand women’s rugby.
The Springbok Women dominated the opening minutes, scoring the first try thanks to Babalwa Latsha.
One of the talking points of the match was Swys de Bruin’s bold and unconventional line-out strategy.
De Bruin employed an incredible tactic at line-out time, which saw all 15 players joining the maul.
Scrumhalf Nadine Roos and fullback Byrhandra Dolf were used as jumpers on different occasions.
*Article continues below…
“It is our team profile. We had two packs of forwards really preparing for today, and it’s one of our strengths.
“I’ve got very good coaches, you know, that can coach the maul section.
“But we did plan it properly.
“We started with a two-man line-out, then a 15-man line-out, then an overthrow – just confused them in the line-outs, and wow, it worked well.”
De Bruin added: “From the scrums as well – I think last time they [New Zealand] were rushing up so hard off the scrums, you had no mover.
“So we just went on the left. We went on the left and set up a maul next to the scrum there, which worked very well in our opinion.
“So 10-all at halftime was very good.”
The coach said he is extremely proud that his team could score three tries against a team stacked with world-class athletes.
“We came with a plan, and they [the players] bought in – and it was wonderful, wonderful to see.
“You know, there were no questions why, and they loved the plan.
“I’m happy with the three tries. Ireland couldn’t score one [against New Zealand].
“So for us to score three tries off worked moves is pleasing, I must say. It’s very pleasing.”
He admitted the second half was challenging, with New Zealand’s incredible athletes scoring six tries, while South Africa could only add one.
“Hats off to the Ferns,” De Bruin said.
“Their skill set and how they catch the ball in the air and turn out those two tries after halftime.
“I think they just have very good skills.
“They’ve got so many skilled players – but we knew that.”
Though the journey ends here, the message is clear: South Africa is no longer here just to compete – they’re here to challenge.
With a new level of belief, tactical depth, and execution, the Springbok Women have shown they belong at the top level of international rugby.
