After their male counterparts suffered their biggest ever loss against the Springboks earlier today, the Black Ferns women’s team put records straight with a 46 - 17 victory.
However, South Africa did not go quietly, putting up a ferocious and incredibly impressive fight and dominating the first half.
New Zealand vs South Africa match highlights
After a physical start from both sides, the Springboks landed the first blows, getting within metres of the Black Ferns line before the New Zealand defence managed to kick in just in time as Mahutariki-Fakalelu over-turned the ball.
The reigning world champions were not up to their usual calibre in the first twenty minutes, conceding penalties and fouls aplenty. South Africa were rewarded by their aggressiveness and placed down the first try of the match as Latasha drove over.
Although New Zealand quickly tried to even the scoreboard, Mikaele-Tu'u touched down an inch short of the try line. However, the Black Ferns were able to successfully score just two minutes later as Setefano stormed over.
Young Black Ferns star Sorensen-McGee proved her mettle once more as she scored New Zealand’s second try in the 29th minute to round off an electric ten minutes of top-tier rugby.
However, the underdogs were evidently desperate to bring the score level as half time approached, as Ngwevu drives over in the 40th minute. The scoreboard represent the fact that South Africa weren’t just keeping up with but actively dominating the world champions with 79% possession in the first half.
However, New Zealand obviously had a serious team talk during half time, as they came out all guns blazing as Olsen-Baker scores in the 47th minutes. However, Holmes misses the conversion for the third time, slicing her ball from the tee.
Once the Black Ferns got a taste of possession, they were back with style and power. Olsen-Baker flew over the line again in the 55th minute, and Holmes finally converted to extend the Black Ferns lead to 32 - 10.
South Africa, despite flagging 22 points behind, still played some sensational rugby, with Ubisi denying Sorensen-McGee another try with a powerful tackle.
The Springboks camped out near the Black Ferns try line for the last ten minutes as they continued to pile the pressure on in a last minute attempt to keep themselves in the World Cup.
Ngxingolo’s attempt at 70 minutes was deemed held up, and the Springboks fell short again at 74 minutes. However, their efforts were rewarded just three minutes before full time, as Makua dives over the line through a gap in defence. Dolf converts.
The truly electric 80 minutes culminated in New Zealand squeezing in one final try as Vahaakolo piles through to the try line and Sorensen-McGee converts at the 80th minute, making the final score New Zealand 46 - 17 South Africa.
The Black Fern's seventh semi-final
This means that the reigning champions have officially booked their way to the semi-finals in Bristol next weekend - an incredibly exciting development for such a “tight-knit group” as MasterCard Player of the Match Kaipo Olsen-Baker described.
South Africa's incredible development
Despite not moving forward to the next round, South Africa will be leaving the tournament with their heads held high, having not only reached their first ever World Cup quarterfinal but also demonstrated the holes and weaknesses in New Zealand’s performance.
Coach Swys de Bruin highlighted what this means for women’s rugby in South Africa, saying “Look at our girls, look at the passion. They made a difference for millions of girls in South Africa. They have role models. There are so many trials and tribulations … I think a giant has awoken for women in South African rugby”.
Rugby news and related content
- New Zealand vs. South Africa team news, lineups, score prediction for Women’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinal
- Who won the last Women’s Rugby World Cup? How New Zealand triumphed on home turf in 2021?
- When is the Women’s Rugby World Cup final? Date, time of 2025 showpiece at Twickenham