Rugby
Bok Women turn focus to Black Ferns after heavy World Cup defeat to France─── MORGAN PIEK 07:35 Mon, 08 Sep 2025
The Springbok Women suffered their first defeat of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England with a heavy 57-10 loss to France in Northampton, but their focus will quickly shift to New Zealand, whom they will tackle in the quarter-finals.
The Springbok Women may have closed off their pool campaign with a heavy defeat, but coach Swys de Bruin believes there are encouraging signs as his side looks ahead to their historic Rugby World Cup quarter-final against the Kiwis.
South Africa’s loss against France in their final Pool D clash at Franklin’s Gardens on Sunday booked them a daunting quarter-final against defending champions, the Black Ferns, in Exeter.
Nassira Konde. Photo: Morgan Harlow/World Rugby via Getty Images
De Bruin was quick to admit that they weren’t at their best as they rested nine regular starters with an eye on the knockout rounds, but credited the French for being the quality outfit that they are.
“France played very well today (Sunday), and we did not,” De Bruin admitted afterwards.
“They are ranked fourth in the world, and that showed. In fact, all of the top four sides scored more than 40 points in their pool matches this weekend, which underlines the gap right now.”
Despite the scoreline, De Bruin insisted there were reasons for optimism.
“We rested nine frontline players, who will now be fresh for New Zealand. At the same time, nine others gained valuable experience of what World Cups are really about. That’s an investment in our future.”
The coach conceded that South Africa struggled in key areas, and this will enjoy a lot of focus as they dial in on what is needed against the defending champions.
“We came up against a very strong pack and they dominated us, which I honestly did not expect. France were clinical and punished every opportunity, while our ball protection let us down badly. The red card certainly didn’t help either. Still, we have something to build on this week.”
Pauline Bourdon Sansus. Photo: Morgan Harlow/World Rugby via Getty Images
De Bruin said the team has huge respect for the Black Ferns, who thrashed Ireland 40-0 in their final pool game, but he believes last month’s clash against a New Zealand XV in Cape Town will aid their preparations for Saturday’s knockout match – the Springbok Women’s first at a World Cup.
“Sixteen teams arrived here and eight are already on their way home,” De Bruin said. “We still have a chance to make more history, even as massive underdogs. What I loved against France was that our players never stopped fighting – we scored the final points of the game, and that spirit will always give us a chance.”
The team will travel to Exeter on Monday and hold their first training session on Tuesday. Saturday’s big quarter-final at Sandy Park will kick off at 14:00.
Scorers:
France: Tries - Emilie Boulard 2, Gaby Vernier, Charlotte Escudero, Agathe Gerin, Joanna Grisez 2, Annaelle Deshaye, Alexandra Chambon Conv. - Lina Queyroi 2, Morgane Bourgeois 4
Springbok Women: Try - Nadine Roos Conv. - Byrhandré Dolf Pen. - Dolf
