First ever #RWC win for ten-try Bok Women

MATCH REPORT: South Africa’s Women have made history by winning their first match at a World Cup since 2010 and doing so in style with their 66-6 victory over Brazil in Northampton.

It was an impressive start for South Africa as Sinazo Mcatshulwa charged up field to take the Bok Women into the World Cup debutants Brazil’s 22.

From a powerful scrum Aseza Hele took the ball up with one of the strong runs and off-loaded to Nadine Roos who dotted down for the South Africans first try of the World Cup.

Dolf added the two points, and it was a fast start for the Bok Women.

From the kick-off South Africa got straight back into attack mode, Hele once again the main instigator. The forwards worked as one and Babalwa Latsha forced her way over, but the try was not awarded as Ayanda Malinga’s foot was in touch.

But not to be undone, it was third time lucky for the powerful Hele as she just never gave up and charged over to clinch their second try within seven minutes as South Africa stretched ahead by 12-0.

Brazil finally got their first points on the board through a penalty kick by Raquel Kochhann a few minutes later.

A second try attempt by the Boks in the 12th minute was disallowed as Mcatshulwa was held up after driving over with a host of Brazilians on her back.

The mistakes started creeping into the Bok Women’s game as they got too eager.

Again, after a massive scrum, the ball was unceremoniously dropped through indecisiveness.

The game had been played in Brazil’s half for the first 20 minutes, but the Bok Women needed to calm themselves down to focus as silly mistakes kept them away from the tryline.

Hele was on fire, a true wrecking ball, scoring her second try for the Springbok Women, converted by Dolf to take the South Africans into the lead by 19-3.

Brazil had some opportunities to gain field, but South Africa smothered them quickly and recycled the ball.

Following another flurry of phases, Ayanda Malinga scores the Bok Women’s fourth try just before the hooter for halftime signalled, converted by Dolf.

Halftime saw South Africa leading by 26-3.

The second half started with Brazil spinning together some prosperous moves, but the ball was turned over, Roos broke around the traffic, chipped ahead and three Bok Women chased.

It was that magician, Hele, who was there to pick up and dive over, scoring her hat-trick of tries in the 45th minute.

The sixth try came thanks to Libbie Janse van Rensburg after the forwards again did their thing at close quarters, totally overpowering Brazil.

South Africa 40-3 Brazil with 30 minutes to go.

In the 49th minute coach Swys de Bruin unleashed his Bomb Squad when he sent the whole replacement bench on.

And before you can say ‘braaivleis’ Janse van Rensburg scores the seventh try which came almost straight away.

Dolf converted, stretching their lead to 47-3.

Brazil got a bit of a breather when Kochhann slotted another penalty kick, but the hill was high to fight back.

South Africa claim their first Women’s Rugby World Cup victory since 2010!#RSAvBRA | #RWC2025 pic.twitter.com/vFztGvAUQc

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) August 24, 2025

But South Africa was not done, as the forward rumbled forward once more and eventually Aphiwe Ngwevu got over, fully deserved after working so hard in the game.

With just over ten minutes to go, Brazil got a line-out on the 10m in a good scoring opportunity, but South Africa once again stole possession.

Malinga got her second try with ten minutes to go, and Dolf curled in a great kick from the sideline to take South Africa to 59-6.

They were not done as Lerato Makua finished off from a lineout move to score their eighth.

Unfortunately, Malinga’s third try was not awarded due to obstruction.

It was all over, and South Africa made history.

Player of the Match: My pick goes to Aseza Hele, not only for her three tries, but just her never-say-die attitude, the way she doesn’t back down and how knows only one way and that is straight forward.

Scorers:

For South Africa:
Tries: Roos, Hele 3, Malinga 3, Janse van Rensburg 2, Makua
Cons: Dolf 8

For Brazil:
Pens: Kochhann 2

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 (vice-captain), 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie
Replacements: 16 Micke Gunter, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Vainah Ubisi, 20 Lerato Makua, 21 Catha Jacobs, 22 Unam Tose, 23 Jakkie Cilliers

Brazil: 15 Bianca Silva, 14 Giovanna Barth Moreira, 13 Marina Fioravanti, 12 Mariana Nicolau, 11 Edna Santini, 10 Raquel Kochhann, 9 Aline Mayumi Bednarski, 8 Camilla Carvalho, 7 Larissa Alves Carvalho, 6 Larissa Fernanda LIma Silva Hendwood, 5 Marcelle da Cruz de Souza, 4 Eshyllen Coimbra, 3 Tais Gomes da Costa Prioste, 2 Julia Leni de Lima, 1 Franciele Barros.
Replacements: 16 Isabela Gomes Saccomanno, 17 Samara Vergara, 18 Giovana Mamede, 19 Dayana Dakar, 20 Leticia Silva Ferreira, 21 Luiza Gonzalez da Costa Campos, 22 Fernanda Tenorio, 23 Isadora Lopes

Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Holly Wood (England), Jess Ling (Australia)
TMO: Ian Tempest (England)