'Hard work paid off': Lochner reflects on World Cup debut win
EXCLUSIVE: Springbok Women’s 66-6 win over Brazil at the 2025 World Cup was such a “surreal moment” for Danelle Lochner.
The towering lock is playing in her first World Cup and could not have asked for a better start.
She played the full 80 minutes, putting in big hits, commanding the line-outs, and being part of a formidable forward pack.
It is certainly crazy to think that the second rower has been playing rugby for just over three years.
Back then, she looked destined to become one of the country’s shining netball stars, playing for the national team, the Proteas.
However, in 2022, she joined the Brackenfell Rugby Club in Cape Town – and now she’s playing in her first World Cup in England.
The star is one of the few athletes to have earned national honours in two different sports codes.
Lochner is not unfamiliar with the conditions in England, playing her rugby at Harlequins in the Premiership.
“It’s such a surreal moment when you actually get that opportunity to play your first game,” Lochner told Rugby365 after the match in Northampton.
“I think there are no words that can actually describe it at all – just a lot of gratitude and excitement.
“And then obviously just knowing that the hard work and sacrifices have paid off, and that I’ve made it and I’m here now.”
The 28-year-old’s mom was in the crowd, supporting her daughter.
“It’s amazing for us – I think for our morale as well, and just our spirits,” she added
“It lifts us, knowing that we are in a foreign country at the moment, but we have so many supporters from all over the world.
“Even people who weren’t wearing South African jerseys were cheering for the South African team.
“So, I think that’s just an amazing feeling, and I’m glad that the girls get to experience that and know what it feels like.
“And know that we have the power to do that as well – that we deserve that.”
When asked about the game and the team’s performance, Lochner said they wanted to show the world that South African women’s rugby will be a force to be reckoned with.
“We wanted people to know that the Springbok Women have arrived.
“We aren’t here just to get a green certificate for participation — we actually want to have a real go at this World Cup.
“I think we did just that, going into this game.
“Obviously, a few errors here and there, but nothing we can’t fix. So, I’m looking forward to the next game.”
The Springbok Women face stern competition this week in the form of Italy.
The two teams will go head-to-head in York.
South Africa is currently top of Pool D, with France in second place after their 24-0 win over Italy.
