History will be made this afternoon as the Springbok Women host the New Zealand Black Ferns on South African soil for the very first time. This landmark Test match kicks off at 13:30 SAST at Johannesburg's iconic FNB Stadium, serving as the opening clash of a blockbuster double-header before the men's senior national teams take the field later today.
The encounter acts as a highly anticipated rematch of last year's 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup quarterfinal in England. In that match, the South Africans initially put up an immense fight before the six-time world champion Black Ferns broke away to secure a 46-17 victory.
The build-up to this historic fixture has been rocked by the bombshell resignation of head coach Swys de Bruin (often referred to as Swys Joubert) just days before kick-off. De Bruin clarified that his exit was planned due to differences of opinion on the team's future direction, opting to step down early to let the group move forward under new leadership.
Taking the reins as co-head coaches are former assistant coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September. Because Johannes-Haupt and September previously spearheaded the team's successful tours in Kenya and Fiji while De Bruin stayed behind in Stellenbosch, the camp remains remarkably stable and positive. Junior Boks assistant Melusi Mthethwa has also been drafted in to help manage the transition.
Beyond the coaching disruption, this match carries massive implications for the global standings. During De Bruin's tenure, South Africa broke into the top 10 of the World Rugby rankings for the first time.
Facing the world-class Black Ferns serves as a high-stakes litmus test. A resilient performance or a shock upset would solidify the Springbok Women's hard-earned position among rugby's elite. At the same time, a heavy defeat could threaten their newly acquired top-10 status just ahead of their upcoming WXV campaign.
Up front, the South Africans will look to exert pressure through their traditional, brutal forward physicality and a heavily drilled set-piece. Captain Babalwa Latsha leads an experienced front row alongside Lindelwa Gwala and Sanelisiwe Charlie, explicitly targeting dominance at the scrum and breakdown to starve the visitors of clean possession.
Conversely, the Black Ferns present a formidable challenge, renowned globally for their high-skill execution, rapid transition attacks, and clinical finishing out wide. New Zealand’s technical pack will aggressively contest the collision points to unleash an explosive backline that excels at exploiting wide channels whenever the defensive alignment fractures.
While the South Africans hold a distinct altitude advantage in Johannesburg and the backing of a passionate home crowd, New Zealand's elite-level tournament experience and relentless pace make them the clear favourites. Expect a bruising first half dominated by a relentless battle of the forward packs before the Black Ferns' conditioning and expansive passing structures are put to the ultimate test in the closing quarters.
Teams:
Springbok Women: 15 Byrhandré Dolf, 14 Alichia Arries, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 11 Ayanda Malinga, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Unam Tose, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Catha Jacobs, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Danelle Lochner, 4 Vainah Ubisi, 3 Babalwa Latsha (c), 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie. Replacements: 16 Anushka Groenewald, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Nomsa Mokwai, 20 Shiniqwa Lamprecht, 21 Logan Welman, 22 Anacadia Minnaar, 23 Maceala Samboya
Black Ferns: 15 Braxton Sorensen-McGee, 14 Mererangi Paul, 13 Amy du Plessis, 12 Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt, 11 Ayesha Leti-I’iga, 10 Hannah King, 9 Maia Joseph, 8 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 7 Elinor-Plum King, 6 Mia Anderson, 5 Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, 4 Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 3 Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, 2 Georgia Ponsonby, 1 Chryss Viliko. Replacements: 16 Atlanta Lolohea, 17 Maddison Robinson, 18 Santo Taumata, 19 Laura Bayfield, 20 Amarante Sititi, 21 Tara Turner, 22 Ruahei Demant, 23 Justine McGregor.