The Springbok Women made history securing a hard-fought 29-24 win ever, over Italy in York, England, on Sunday evening.
This win basically secured their place in the Women’s World Cup 2025 quarter-final for the first time ever. All the Springbok Women need is for France to beat Brazil later tonight.
The Springboks made a brilliant start to the match when Aseza Hele picked up the ball behind a dominant scrum to steamroll her way over the Italian tryline, edging 05-00 into the lead.
Italy showed some sublime handling on the attack; however, they had no answer to the Springboks' power play. After great play up front, the Springboks moved the ball wide to Libbie Janse van Rensburg, who glided through a gap to feed Nadine Roos, who had an easy run in for the Springboks' second try. Byrhandré Dolf converted to extend the Springboks' lead to 12-00.
Not to be outdone, Italy attacked off the kickoff and following great handling and interplay, Italy’s fullback Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi scored a great try to cut the Springboks’ lead to 12-05
With thirteen minutes to play, the Springboks attacked off another dominant scrum. Eventually, Roos cruised through a gap to feed Ayanda Malinga, whose speed was too much for the Italian defenders, and extended the Springboks’ lead to 17-05.
Once again, Italy struck back from the kickoff and, following great handling and interplay, hooker Vittoria Veccheni cut the defence in two to score Italy’s second try. Michela Sillari converted to cut the Springboks' lead to five points.
The Springboks led 17-12, bullying their opponents with their aggressive style of play. However, Italy, on the other hand, has scored two tries, displaying some great handling and interplay on their way to the Springboks' tryline.
After six minutes of play, Italy attacked around the front of a lineout, and flanker Francesca Sgorbini had an easy run-in to level the scores at 17-17.
The Springboks continued their physical onslaught with pick-and-drives. It was eventually Yonela Ngxingolo who crashed over to score the Springboks’ fourth try. Byrhandré Dolf converted to extend the Springboks' lead to 24-17.
Italy started to dominate up front and following pick and drives, Sara Seye bulldozed her way over the Springboks’ tryline. Beatrice Rigoni converted to level the scores 24-24 with ten minutes left to play in the second half.
The Springboks set up camp in Italy’s red zone, and eventually it was flanker Sinazo Mcatshulwa who bulldozed over to extend the Springboks' lead to 29-24 which was the final score of the match.
Teams:
Springbok Woman: 15 Nadine Roos, 14 Byrhandré Dolf, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Ayanda Malinga, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Unam Tose, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Danelle Lochner, 4 Nolusindiso Booi (c), 3 Babalwa Latsha, 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie. Replacements: 16 Micke Gunter, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Vainah Ubisi, 20 Lerato Makua, 21 Catha Jacobs, 22 Eloise Webb, 23 Aphiwe Ngwevu
Italy Woman: 15 Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, 14 Aura Muzzo, 13 Michela Sillari, 12 Beatrice Rigoni, 11 Alyssa D’Inca, 10 Emma Stevanin, 9 Sofia Stefan, 8 Elisa Giordana Duca, 7 Beatrice Veronese, 6 Francesca Sgorbini, 5 Giordana Duca, 4 Sara Tounesi, 3 Sara Seye, 2 Vittoria Veccheni, 1 Silvia Turani. Replacements: 16 Layra Gurioli, 17 Emanuela Stecca, 18 Gaia Maris, 19 Valeria Fedrighi, 20 Alissa Ranuccini, 21 Alia Bitonci, 22 Sara Mannini, 23 Francesca Granzotto.