South Africa will be battling the reigning World Champions New Zealand tomorrow in Exeter to be in with a chance of booking a semi-final spot.
The Black Ferns finished top of their Pool C after beating Ireland, Japan and Spain.
South Africa have reached their first ever World Cup quarterfinal after finishing runner-up in Pool D, beating Brazil 66 - 6 and Italy 29 - 24 before losing to France 57 - 10.
New Zealand and South Africa last faced each other way back in 2010, where New Zealand dominated with a 55 - 3 win.
The Sporting News runs through the latest team news and injury updates for both sides as the match draws nearer.
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New Zealand vs. South Africa starting XV, team news.
New Zealand are currently the reigning champions, defending two back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2021.
The world number three’s finished undefeated at the top of their Pool C, and will be looking to continue their stampede to the final to hopefully bring back New Zealand’s seventh World Cup title.
Portia Woodman-Wycliffe is the Black Fern’s most established player, being the top try-scorer in World Cup history and an established offensive pillar.
However, the next generation of the New Zealand attack has been revealed in this tournament, as 17 year old Braxton Sorensen-McGee has not only scored the most tries yet, crossing the line six times, but has also proved her prowess converting four tries and carrying the ball over 300 metres.
In defence, Maiakawanakualani Roos is an unstoppable force, carrying out 34 huge tackles in the Black Ferns defence, alongside fellow forwards Jorja Miller and Georgia Ponsonby, who are also both in the starting XV.
New Zealand starting XV:
15 - Holmes, 14 - Sorensen-McGee, 13 - Waaka, 12 - Setefano, 11 - Woodman-Wycliffe, 10 - Demant, 9 - Joseph 1 - Viliko, 2 - Ponsonby, 3 - Mahutariki-Fakalelu, 4 - Roos, 5 - Bremner, 6 - Mikaele-Tu’u, 7 - Miller, 8 - Olsen-Baker
Full New Zealand squad
Forwards: Laura Bayfield, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Vici-Rose Green, Kate Henwood, Tanya Kalounivale, Atlanta Lolohea, Veisini Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Jorja Miller, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Georgia Ponsonby, Maiakawanakualani Roos, Amy Rule, Layla Sae, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Kennedy Tukuafu, Chryss Viliko
Backs: Kelly Brazier, Sylvia Brunt, Ruahei Demant, Amy du Plessis, Iritana Hohaia, Renee Holmes, Maia Joseph, Ayesha Leti-Iiga, Risi Pouri-Lane, Theresa Setefano, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Stacey Waaka, Portia Woodman-Wycliffe
Injured: none
Suspended: none
The world number 12’s will be up against a major opposition tomorrow, as they face their highest rank rival yet.
This is the furthest that the Springboks have ever progressed in a World Cup, as they finished second in Pool D, being beaten by France.
Fullback Byrhandre Dolf has become a key player in the South African set-up, with her exacting boot earning her nation a huge 25 points over the last three games.
The Springboks offensive has relied on Aseza Hele, Ayanda Malinga and Nadine Roos, who all feature in the starting XV.
In defence, Babalwa Latsha has dominated, alongside Libbie Janse van Rensburg, controlling South Africa’s game at fly-half.
South Africa starting XV:
15 - Dolf, 14 - Samboya, 13 - Mpupha, 12 - Ngwevu, 11 - Malinga, 10 - Janse van Rensburg, 9 - Roos, 1 - Charlie, 2 - Gwala, 3 - Latsha, 4 - Booi, 5 - Lochner, 6 - Solontsi, 7 - Mcatshulwa, 8 - Hele
Full South Africa squad
Forwards: Nolusindiso Booi, Sanelisiwe Charlie, Micke Gunter, Lindelwa Gwala, Luchell Hanekom, Aseza Hele, Catha Jacobs, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Babalwa Latsha, Danelle Lochner, Lerato Makua, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Nomsa Mokwai, Yonela Ngxingolo, Anathi Qolo, Sizophila Solontsi, Ntsako Faith Tshauke, Vainah Ubisi
Backs: Jacomina Cilliers, Byrhandre Dolf, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Tayla Kinsey, Ayanda Malinga, Zintle Mpupha, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Chumisa Qawe, Nadine Roos, Maceala Samboya, Unam Tose, Eloise Webb, Mary Zulu
Injured: none
Suspended: none
New Zealand vs South Africa score predictions
South Africa will be hard pressed to beat the reigning World Champions, who will be just as determined to get to the next stage.
Score Prediction: New Zealand 77 - 5 South Africa
How to watch New Zealand vs South Africa: Live stream, TV channel
All of the Women’s World Cup matches will be broadcast live on the BBC and on England Rugby’s YouTube. New Zealand versus South Africa will take place Saturday, September 13, at 13:00 GMT.
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