Saturday's Springbok Women vs Black Ferns match at FNB Stadium is the first time the sides have met on South African soil — a historic occasion made more turbulent by Swys de Bruin's shock mid-week resignation, leaving Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September to take charge. The piece runs through the team announcements, key personnel changes from the World Cup quarterfinal (where the Boks led 10-all at half-time before conceding 36 unanswered points), and flags the players who could swing the game. Babalwa Latsha's leadership and scrummaging, the Lochner-Ubisi lock combination, Aseza Hele at No. 8, and Alichia Arries' pace on the wing are identified as South Africa's key weapons. For New Zealand, KZN-born centre Amy du Plessis returns from injury with obvious added motivation, teenage fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee brings a dangerous counter-attacking dimension, and No. 8 Liana Mikaele-Tu'u will contest the physical battle the Boks will want to dominate. Rugby365 tips the Black Ferns by 12, pointing to New Zealand's world ranking and depth — but acknowledges the FNB atmosphere as a genuine variable.
Bok Women face Black Ferns in historic FNB test — without their coach
South Africa's historic home debut against the Black Ferns comes at an awkward moment — Swys de Bruin resigned mid-week, leaving assistants to take charge. Rugby365 breaks down the teams, the key matchups, and tips New Zealand by 12.
- Springbok Women
- FNB Stadium
- Rugby World Cup
KZN-born Du Plessis set for emotional homecoming as Black Ferns name team for FNB Stadium clash
KZN-born Amy Du Plessis starts in the midfield as the Black Ferns name their team for Saturday's historic Test against the Springbok Women at FNB Stadium, with Georgia Ponsonby making her debut as co-captain and Ruahei Demant shifting to the bench.
Springbok Women enter 'Greatest Rivalry' territory for the first time
Swys de Bruin previews the first-ever Springbok Women vs Black Ferns fixture on South African soil, drawing on lessons from their World Cup quarterfinal meeting and outlining how his side plans to contain New Zealand's high-tempo attack.
Janse van Rensburg on captaincy, records and what's next against the Black Ferns
Janse van Rensburg reflects on captaining the Bok Women for the first time in Fiji, extending her national points record to 221, and what the Black Ferns clash at FNB Stadium means after the World Cup quarterfinal exit.
2029 World Cup medal target sharpens Springbok Women's focus on historic Fiji series
The Springbok Women begin a historic first-ever two-Test series in Fiji on Saturday, with assistant coach Franzel September explicitly targeting a 2029 Rugby World Cup medal as the programme's benchmark.
All Blacks arrive in South Africa for first full tour in 30 years
The All Blacks have arrived in South Africa for an eight-match tour — the first since 1996 — taking in four provincial games and four Tests, with the Springbok Women also facing the Black Ferns at FNB Stadium. No SA provincial side has beaten the All Blacks on home soil since the then-Orange Free State's 15-10 victory in September 1976.