The Springbok Women's first-ever home fixture against the Black Ferns gets a marquee billing at FNB Stadium this Saturday, played alongside the decider in the men's series. Swys de Bruin goes in with eyes open — a 19-point world ranking gap and a 46-17 World Cup quarterfinal loss in England earlier this year frame the challenge — but he points to the 10-10 half-time scoreline from that quarterfinal as proof his side can disrupt the Black Ferns when the game plan clicks. His tactical read is straightforward: limit New Zealand's possession to reduce the defensive workload, because their counter-attack and quick-recycle game can shred any defence that gives them ball in open space. De Bruin singles out the defensive work of assistant coach Franzel September as a key area of improvement heading in. The occasion itself matters too — FNB Stadium is a significant stage for women's rugby in South Africa, and De Bruin is clearly treating it as a platform moment for the programme.
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.
- Springbok Women
- FNB Stadium
- Rugby World Cup
Black Ferns too sharp for Springbok Women despite scrum dominance
The Springbok Women were beaten 52-20 by New Zealand at FNB Stadium, losing despite dominating the scrum and maul, with finishing and handling errors undermining a competitive first-half performance.
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.
Bok Women shut out Spain 20-0 to end WXV Global Series tour on a high
The Springbok Women shut out Spain 20-0 in Seville to end their WXV Global Series tour, with co-head coach Franzel September highlighting disciplined defence and set-piece control despite front-row injuries to Babalwa Latsha and Nombuyekezo Mdliki. The squad returns home on Tuesday ahead of two Tests against Ireland in Cape Town.
Wales lose Powell to hamstring injury ahead of Springbok Women clash at Cardiff Arms Park
Kayleigh Powell has been ruled out of Wales' entire WXV Global Series campaign with a hamstring injury, adding to the absences of Donna Rose, Kelsie Webster and Hanna Tudor ahead of Friday's Test against the Springbok Women at Cardiff Arms Park.
Etzebeth chases series win as record 146th cap beckons in Baltimore
Eben Etzebeth is set to earn a record 146th Test cap when the Springboks face the All Blacks in Baltimore on Saturday, with the series on the line — a Springbok win seals Rugby's Greatest Rivalry trophy, while defeat results in a draw.