'I put my body on the line': Bok Women's tackle machine
The best of times and the worst of times. Sinazo Mcatshulwa has lived through both in the last two Rugby World Cup editions with the Springbok Women.
As a loose forward for the national team, Mcatshulwa endured the pain of a winless campaign – including a heartbreaking defeat to Fiji at the 2021 World Cup (hosted in 2022 due to COVID restrictions) in New Zealand.
She was part of a team struggling against the tide – where the women’s game had become accustomed to the bare minimum in support and funding. But change, as they say, was on the horizon.
“The conversation around starting women’s rugby at a younger age can finally become a realistic conversation.” #rugby #WomenInRugby #WomenInSports @LaylaArrison
LINK: https://t.co/pxjtDLEimh— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) September 16, 2025
That change began with the appointment of Lynne Cantwell as High Performance Manager. From that moment, the Springbok Women began to evolve – building toward a powerful, resilient squad that stunned the world at the 2025 World Cup.
The most recent breakthrough came in August 2024 with the appointment of Swys de Bruin as Performance Coach – a move that proved to be a masterstroke. Less than a year later, South Africa broke into the top 10 of the world rankings after reaching the quarterfinals of the World Cup.
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Physical dominance and fearless belief
Under De Bruin, the Boks developed a reputation for forward power and unrelenting physicality – culminating in a moment that shocked the rugby world – a 15-player maul that stunned the Black Ferns in the quarterfinals.
One of the standout players in that historic clash was Mcatshulwa, who has been an integral part of the squad’s transformation.
Across four World Cup matches, she scored one of South Africa’s 19 tries and led the team’s defensive efforts with 28 tackles, followed by Aseza Hele (24), and Sizophila Solontsi and Babalwa Latsha (23 each).
“For me, I just put my body on the line,” the ever-so humble Mcatshulwa told Rugby365.
“I just switched on.”
“The conversation around starting women’s rugby at a younger age can finally become a realistic conversation.” #rugby #WomenInRugby #WomenInSports @LaylaArrison
LINK: https://t.co/pxjtDLEimh— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) September 16, 2025
During the clash with New Zealand, South Africa’s forwards dominated the six-time world champions, forcing them into an astonishing 252 tackles. The team also executed 13-player line-outs and 15-woman driving mauls, stealing headlines worldwide.
“We played against New Zealand, but we don’t care about the names,” said Mcatshulwa.
“We just play the rugby that we know. Every time we do something on the field, we are prepared.
“We said as a team that we can do everything – and that we should leave everything on the field. So, we fought till the last whistle.”
A long road, finally bearing fruit
Reflecting on the journey since the 2022 showpiece, Mcatshulwa noted massive improvement across the board and stated that making the quarters meant a lot to the team.
“We were so excited to play quarterfinals because it was our first time,” she stated
“It was very different. I can say the conditioning, the standards at this World Cup, and also the team environment – and the coaching staff.
“We can see it on the field. We improved in areas and in every game.”
Her rugby journey began in primary school in Langa, Cape Town. Since then, she’s worn the colours of club side Busy Bees, Western Province, and both South Africa’s 15s and 7s national teams.
In 2024, she made history by becoming the first South African woman to play for a French club, signing with Lille Métropole RC Villeneuvois.
At 28, having faced countless challenges, Mcatshulwa believes her story proves one thing.
“I can say, to the girls that are watching – the young ones – they can keep going, they can wear the green and gold.
“Everything is possible.”
Building momentum at home
Following the team’s return to South Africa, SA Rugby has moved quickly to capitalise on the World Cup momentum.
On Monday, they announced an Under-16 Elite Player Development (EPD) squad for girls – who will, for the first time, join their male counterparts for a camp in Paarl next month.
The selections followed a comprehensive talent identification process at the Grant Khomo Week and Girls Week tournaments in Pretoria and Johannesburg.
Later in the week, SA Rugby confirmed a brand-new club competition for women, alongside an expanded U20 Women’s Tournament, which will feature more teams than ever before.
Both competitions will take place in Gauteng from October 5-10.
