EXCLUSIVE: 'Springbok Women will make quarterfinals'
Never in the history of South African rugby have the Springbok Women survived the pool stages of a World Cup.
The South African Women have participated in four World Cups, debuting in 2006 and featuring in the 2010, 2014, and 2021 editions.
They did not enter the 2017 World Cup after their humiliating defeats in the 2014 showpiece.
In their four appearances, they have three wins and 15 defeats, along with a points difference of -590.
It is the harsh reality – and certainly not of their own doing – that the new crop of Springbok Women have to deal with heading into the 2025 World Cup.
For years, the Springbok Women’s team has sadly been seen as an unnecessary expense and was left untouched until very recently.
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Since the introduction of Dave Wessels as SA Rugby’s General Manager, more attention has been paid to the team.
Former Springbok assistant coach Swys de Bruin was appointed as the Springbok Women’s High Performance Coach in August 2024.
His appointment saw Bafana Nhleko join the coaching staff alongside Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September.
Under the new coaching staff, the Springbok Women have shown massive growth on the field and commercially.
Players like Vainah Ubisi and Libbie Janse van Rensburg are getting sponsorships from high-profile sports brands, and on the pitch, the Springboks have recorded wins over the star-laden Barbarians, Spain, and Japan in 2024.
They also came close to snatching a draw against Australia and were within one score of securing a famous win over Italy during last year’s WXV.
While South Africa has a long way to go to catch up with the rest of the world – currently ranked 12th and having never climbed higher than 10th (not since 2011) – there is a sense of optimism ahead of the 2025 event.
Speaking to Rugby365, well-known commentator Layla Arrison stated that she believed the team would finally rewrite their World Cup history and called for a cultural shift in South Africa.
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“We are starting to see more sponsors come on board and realise what a big year this is for the women’s game.
“There are challenges, and it’s twofold: financial and cultural.
“We have to get to a point where fans want to watch the game, but unfortunately, as a nation, we are still stuck in an old way of thinking – that women shouldn’t be there, shouldn’t be referees, or be in administration.
“Unfortunately, we are a nation that loves results, but it’s a double-edged sword. We need the funding to get results, because it’s not a professional system.
“They [the players] still have to work [day jobs]. Rugby is just an add-on.
“So, for us as a nation, it’s about taking the leap of faith to support the team and then getting on that journey until they get the results.
“And I am positive that this year is going to be the year that we see – 21 years since the first Springbok Women’s team – that we are going to make the quarterfinals.
“I’m excited to be there for it.
“But we have to start talking about it, start getting involved, and get loud voices behind them.”
She revealed the players are finally reaping the rewards of the plan that was structured during their tour in Madagascar.
“It is incredible to see what Coach Swys has been able to do with the team.
“He is a great guy and coach. He has found ways to get the most out of this team.
“However, with that being said, for me, it started when they were in Madagascar [for the Africa Cup] and were worried whether they were even eating chicken or not. I was on that tour under coach Louis [Koen], where they bought into the dream and idea already back then.
“This is a team that has all the skills and has been building momentum. Swys and Bafana came in to work on a product that had already gained traction.
“Swys has come in with a new understanding – from an outsider’s point of view – and injected faith and trust in the women to believe in their skills.
“And that is why we’re seeing the results.”
The Springboks will open their World Cup campaign against Brazil on August 24, followed by Italy (August 31) and France (September 7).
However, before that, De Bruin’s team will face stern tests against the No. 2-ranked team, Canada, at Loftus Versfeld and Nelson Mandela Bay.
Arrison said it will really give the management a ‘good marker’ in terms of South Africa’s World Cup prospects.
“They are No. 2 in the world. It’s going to give us a lot of confidence or a lot of answers, which is important before we leave.”
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New tickets for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 are now available, with prices starting at £10 for adults and £5 for children. Buy now!
