Roos on the moment Boks redefined the women's game
Scrumhalf, flyhalf, fullback – and now line-out jumper.
Nadine Roos continues to redefine versatility in rugby, showcasing her incredible range during the Springbok Women’s historic World Cup campaign.
The 29-year-old featured in all four matches of South Africa’s run to the quarterfinals, delivering standout performances and adapting to multiple roles as the team broke new ground on the global stage.
Roos made an immediate impact in the Springboks’ dominant 66-6 victory over Brazil, scoring the first try of the match. Her attacking prowess was on full display as she notched up three line-breaks and made 13 carries in a commanding performance.
In the second match against Italy, Roos shifted to fullback – but the positional change didn’t stop her momentum. She again found the scoresheet, further highlighting her attacking threat from any position.
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Returning to her more familiar role at scrumhalf against France, Roos scored the team’s only try in a hard-fought defeat, underlining her consistency and impact throughout the tournament.
While she didn’t cross the try line in the quarterfinal against the Black Ferns, Roos took on a new challenge – as a line-out jumper.
Alongside fullback Byrhandra Dolf, Roos was utilized in a bold and unconventional tactic that saw all 15 players join the maul – a strategy that caught the New Zealanders by surprise and drew international attention.
“When they came out with this game plan – you know, maul off a scrum – and I saw that I’m at the front of that maul, I was like, okay, well.
“I thought it was just, you know, a bit of funny jokes on the training field before the French game.
“And then, yeah, when they said we’re going to have a full house – 15-man line-out – and me and Dolf jumping, I got really excited because finally, here’s my debut in the forwards,” Roos explained.
Roos admitted the transition wasn’t without its bumps – literally.
“It was quite fun just feeling what the forwards also have to go through in the mauls.
“I felt it in training, though.
“I got stepped on my foot, I think four times.
“And I was like, I hope this doesn’t happen during the game.
“Even with the maul during the game, one leg was in the air, the other was on the ground.
“But it was really good – just executing that game plan and the coaches backing us to do it.
“I think that just shows my ability as an individual to adapt.
“For me, it’s just – whatever happens on the field – I’m excited whether you’re part of it or not. It’s about adding your role and responsibility on the field.”
The Springbok Women went into halftime level at 10-10 with the Black Ferns – a remarkable feat in itself.
But two quick tries after the break saw New Zealand pull away for a 46-17 win to book their spot in the semifinals.
“There are some mixed emotions going on. In a sense, I’m happy – you know, we’ve made history. But in a sense, I’m pissed off as well because when we scored that try before halftime, we were in it.
“And then we came back and conceded quick tries, and we basically chucked the game away after those two quick tries.
“So I’m pissed about that, because it’s those types of moments… and obviously, against a team like the Black Ferns, you need to be clinical with every opportunity you have – with ball in hand.”
Despite the exit, Roos was full of pride for what the team accomplished – and for how far women’s rugby in South Africa has come.
“To sum up this whole tournament, it’s the fighting spirit of these ladies and this team. It’s really great and indescribable.
“You know, playing the Black Ferns in the quarterfinal – I think no one thought that we would put up a fight like that, or even put points on the board and score the first try in a quarterfinal.
“So, for me, that’s just really special.”
