VIDEO - Eloise Webb: Springbok Women's ultimate team player

South Africans have a remarkable ability to do whatever it takes for the greater good of the team. In the Springbok Women’s side, that spirit is not only alive but thriving.

And in the Springbok Women’s side, that feat is certainly very common among the players.

From Nadine Roos covering more than three positions across the field, to Byrhandré Dolf stepping in at both wing and fullback, and Jakkie Cilliers switching between wing and centre, versatility is the name of the game.

But one player that has stood out for her quiet, consistent contributions is Eloise Webb.

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The 29-year-old, often seen sporting her signature rainbow scrunchie, was named in the match-day 23 for the Springbok Women’s thrilling 29-24 victory over Italy on Sunday – a result that sealed a historic quarterfinal spot for the team.

“It’s just great and I think we have to enjoy this moment, but it’s definitely not stopping there,” Webb told Rugby365.

“I think it was about building the momentum. We definitely want to go further and see what the World Cup holds.”

Role in the ‘bomb squad’

Making her 18th appearance for the Boks, Webb entered the field at the 40-minute mark, replacing Unam Tose. The reshuffle saw Webb slot into midfield, with Zintle Mpupha moving to wing, Nadine Roos shifting to scrumhalf, and Dolf covering fullback.

Despite only playing the second half, Webb made her presence felt – making four dominant tackles, the most by any player in Round Two.

Earlier this year, she was also called upon to play flyhalf for the first time in her international career during the second Test against Canada.

It was an incredible weekend as 7 teams book their spot in the quarterfinals
– South Africa upset Italy
– Portia Woodman-Wickliffe solidifies status as NEW ZEALAND GOAT!
– Canada continues to impress with statement win #rugby #news #Sports #WomenInRugby #WomenInSports pic.twitter.com/1CDHYpILgu

— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) September 2, 2025

While it was a challenging outing, she showcased her attacking flair and composure under pressure.

“If I get a chance to be on the field, I’m happy,” Webb stated.

“It doesn’t matter where the coach [Swys de Bruin] wants me to play – he always has a plan, and we just buy into it.

“We really trust their coaching abilities and where they want us to play. At the moment, I play centre, and I love it.

“However, if the plan changes, we adapt. We have a great group of ladies who help each other. If we get thrown in the deep end – like Zintle Mpupha playing wing [against Italy] – she just buys into it.”

She added that her teammates make the transitions really easy.

“We have a great culture. We help each other off the field.

“If we don’t know something, we help each other.

“You play for one another – it’s really just amazing.”

 Flying the Flag for the Eastern Cape

Webb plays her domestic rugby for Border and is one of three players from the union to feature in the World Cup squad, alongside centre Aphiwe Ngwevu and prop Nombuyekezo Mdliki.

“Coming from Border in the Eastern Cape, I have two of my teammates here, and I played with one at centre, so it’s just amazing.

“I think we grew so much as a team, especially here at the World Cup. We can take so much knowledge and understanding of the game back home.”

The centre said the preparation and all the support from SA Rugby really helped them produce a win over a Six Nations side like Italy.

“We just have so much to learn as a team. We don’t often play against the world’s best teams.

“I think playing Canada and playing New Zealand at home before coming to the World Cup made a huge difference. People putting in that work to let us play against them was just amazing – it really showed in how much it helped us with our preparations.

“We never had that before the World Cup. Preparation is key. Our preparation was good.

“SA Rugby did a great job for us. We have to give credit to them. We’re so happy for this moment.

“But we’re not stopping here. We definitely want the momentum to go further.

“We’re very excited.”