Springbok Women Embrace Underdog Role Ahead of World Cup Quarterfinal Against Black Ferns

Posted : 10 September 2025

The Springbok Women have already achieved their main target at the Rugby World Cup in England—reaching the quarterfinals. On Saturday, they face New Zealand’s Black Ferns at Sandy Park, approaching the match without fear of failure but with determination to add more milestones to their journey.

Assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt described the encounter as a celebration of the team’s progress, while also emphasizing their readiness to compete. “We’ve prepared well for this match, and the players can simply focus on the task at hand. We won’t just roll over because New Zealand have won this tournament six times,” she said.

Johannes-Haupt highlighted the team’s strong set-piece play as a key weapon against the world’s third-ranked side. Having matched up well against Canada, Italy, and the Black Ferns XV in recent fixtures, the Bok Women aim to force New Zealand into areas where they can assert control. “If we can make them play to our strengths, we have a real chance. Of course, they’ll look to unleash their talented backs out wide, so it will be a clash of styles,” she explained.

For Johannes-Haupt, the match is particularly meaningful, as she played against New Zealand in the 2010 World Cup. She expressed pride in how far the squad has come since then. “To see this group grow over the past few seasons and now compete in the biggest game of their lives is incredibly rewarding—both as a former player and as a coach,” she said.

Regardless of the result, the coach believes the experience will be invaluable. “We’ve faced the second-, third-, and fourth-ranked teams in the world this season. Those challenges have been crucial for our development, and 2025 is already a defining year for us. On Saturday, we will show up and represent South Africa with everything we have,” Johannes-Haupt affirmed.

Flanker Sizophila Solontsi echoed those sentiments, noting that the team’s progress has been years in the making. “Since the last World Cup, we’ve been working for this moment, and now we’re among the top eight in the world. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, but one we’re proud of,” she said.

Acknowledging the Black Ferns’ strength, Solontsi explained that the team welcomes the challenge. “They’re ranked third, just as Canada were ranked second when we faced them. These are the matches we want because they push us further. It’s a knockout game, but we’re ready,” she added.

Far from being discouraged by the underdog label, Solontsi embraces it. “I prefer being underestimated. That doesn’t diminish our ability to play rugby—this game could go either way.”

Springbok Women Embrace Underdog Role Ahead of World Cup Quarterfinal Against Black Ferns

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