Bok Women thrive under De Bruin's human touch
Swys de Bruin has been a breath of fresh air as he continues to show why he is the perfect man to change the trajectory of the Springbok Women’s team.
Since the start of the 2025 World Cup, Springbok Women head coach De Bruin has been a ball of emotions – and with good reason.
His team has ticked off every objective they outlined for themselves: win a World Cup match (66-6 victory over Brazil), beat a top-10-ranked side, and book a spot in the quarterfinals (29-24 win over Italy).
They are also now ranked No. 10 in the world – a feat that has eluded them since 2011.
The win in York was a watershed moment for the women’s game in South Africa.
However, this has been nothing short of deliberate planning.
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It has taken vision, loads of experience, and extreme trust to get to this point.
For years, the women’s game operated in the shadow of its male counterparts, even being abandoned in 2017.
But in recent years, there have been visible improvements, with SA Rugby investing more money and resources into the game ahead of the World Cup.
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Although we still have a long way to go to catch up with the rest of the world, De Bruin has shown that it is not impossible.
He joined the Springbok Women’s set-up as an attack coach and technical advisor in August 2024 and has quickly developed this team into one of the fastest rising sides in the women’s game.
Having led the Lions to several Super Rugby finals, De Bruin has an incredible rugby brain and the nuance to unlock attacking potential.
His impact is clear on the field. The team is more structured. They have a powerful pack, a solid set-piece, smart attacking lines, improved decision-making, and better composure.
However, the vital component to the team’s success has been De Bruin’s ability – and willingness – to understand the person off the field.
De Bruin never forgets to mention the trials and tribulations his players have had to undergo to succeed in their careers.
And it’s that sentiment that fueled De Bruin’s team selection in the final match of the pool stage against France.
The selection has caught a lot of flak online, with many questioning why he chose to rest some of the stars in the team.
“It’s very easy to say on social media, ‘what a stupid call to do this,’ but they’ve got no idea what happens in the team environment,” De Bruin told reporters at the team announcement in Northampton.
“The World Cup means everything to 32 players, and the last thing I would want is to leave here and some of them didn’t get a run on that pitch.
“For years, they’ll remember that ‘I was the girl who went to the World Cup and never had a chance.’
“So rugby is important. It is a World Cup. But for me, people are more important.”
Mary Zulu (flyhalf) and Anathi Qolo (lock) will make their World Cup debuts.
Apart from Zulu and Qolo – who will start at lock next to Vainah Ubisi – there will be first appearances at the 2025 RWC for Luchell Hanekom (hooker), Xoliswa Khuzwayo (prop), Nomsa Mokwai (lock), and Faith Tshauke (loose forward), all of whom are set to make their tournament debuts from the bench.
“I trust – the big reason is – I trust every single one of these ladies to do the job for us. That’s why they’re here,” De Bruin said.
“What made it easier was the fact that we beat Italy. It made it easier for us to do this. The second thing is, a lot of those players put their bodies on the line in two games, and we can rest them.
“Thankfully, no injuries at this stage – that’s a big plus for our medical team.
“I don’t think, in all my years with teams and stuff, I’ve ever heard in week three that there are no injuries.
“It’s fantastic, and it makes the job easier.”
The Springbok Women will take on France on Sunday.
They will either face Ireland or the Black Ferns in the quarterfinals.
However, whatever happens from here, the tournament has already been a massive success for the Bok Women.
It is clear that with the right experienced management, a proper domestic league and age-grade competitions, the game in South Africa could only go from strength to strength.
