Black Ferns Overcome First-Half Struggles to Defeat Springbok Women 46-17

The Black Ferns advanced in their Rugby World Cup title defense with a decisive 46-17 victory over the Springbok Women on October 29, 2023, in Exeter. Despite the final score suggesting a comfortable win, the first half revealed a much tougher contest, with South Africa dominating possession and territory.

Black Ferns captain Ruahei Demant acknowledged the challenge posed by the Springboks, stating, “We understood that they were playing for something beyond the rugby field today and it took a really long time, longer than it should have, to diffuse that.” The Springbok Women forced the Black Ferns into a staggering 143 tackles, while they themselves managed only 16 in the first half.

Hooker Georgia Ponsonby reflected on the physicality of the match, saying, “It felt like that – they are some big bodies and we were on defence for a long time. South Africa, I feel like they reinvented the game a bit today.” The Springbok Women executed a strategy that highlighted their strengths, making the initial phase of the game a fierce battle.

Although the final scoreline indicates a significant victory for New Zealand, Springbok Women’s coach Swys de Bruin emphasized the deeper impact of their performance. “I cry every day of pride,” he expressed. “We don’t just want to play rugby to win, we want to make a difference now. For us, it’s more than just a game; it’s about leaving a legacy.” His sentiments underscore the emerging significance of women’s rugby in South Africa.

The Springbok Women’s team achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first South African women’s side to reach the knockout stages of a Rugby World Cup. De Bruin highlighted the legacy left behind by his players, stating, “What they left behind is what counts. That’s what sport is about at the end of the day, and that makes me proud.” He believes this tournament has awakened “somewhat of a giant” within South African women’s rugby, fostering a healthier environment for the sport in the country.

In addition, De Bruin drew inspiration from the Springbok Men’s recent success, pointing to their 43-10 victory over the All Blacks earlier in the day. “It was the sense of belief that grew in that game this morning. I was looking at their faces and it was like, if they can do it, we can do it,” he remarked.

Looking ahead, Allan Bunting, the Black Ferns’ Director of Rugby, echoed the excitement surrounding the growth of rugby in the Southern Hemisphere. “What they’re playing for is massive. They’ve been on the sevens circuit for a bit, but let’s play some more games,” he said.

With this victory, the Black Ferns will travel to Bristol for a semifinal clash against Canada next weekend. Their ability to rally in the second half demonstrates their resilience and determination to defend their title effectively.

As the teams prepare for the next stage, the enthusiasm for women’s rugby continues to rise, with players and coaches alike committed to elevating the sport on an international scale.