Springbok Women Beat Italy at the Women Rugby World Cup. Image: AFP.
(The Post News)- Boks Women delivered the first major upset of the 2025 Rugby World Cup, stunning Italy with a hard-fought 29-24 victory. Despite being ranked four places below their opponents in the World Rugby standings, Boks Women rose to the occasion in a thrilling encounter.
After 80 minutes of fast-paced, physical rugby, the Bok Women emerged as the stronger side, securing their first-ever victory over Italy’s Azzurre. Their 29-24 triumph puts them on the brink of a historic quarter-final spot, which will be confirmed if France defeats Brazil in the weekend’s final match.
Boks women crossed the try line five times, with standout number eight Aseza Hele scoring in the opening minute. She was followed by Nadine Roos, Ayanda Malinga, Sizophila Solontsi, and Sinazo Mcatshulwa, who each added to the scoreboard in a dominant attacking display.
South Africa’s Bok Women delivered a statement performance at the 2025 Rugby World Cup, outplaying Italy in a thrilling 80-minute contest to claim a historic 29-24 victory, their first-ever win over the Azzurre. With this result, Bok Women have one foot in the quarter-finals, pending the outcome of the final match of the weekend. A win for France over Brazil would officially confirm South Africa’s place in the knockout stages.
Boks Women vs. Italy: Match Highlights
From the first whistle, the Boks Women set the tone with a blend of power, pace, and precision. Star number eight Aseza Hele ignited the match with a try in the opening minute, immediately putting Italy on the back foot. The momentum continued to build as Nadine Roos added another score, showcasing her speed and agility to break through the Italian defense.
Ayanda Malinga followed with a well-worked try that highlighted South Africa’s growing confidence and cohesion on attack. Sizophila Solontsi and Sinazo Mcatshulwa each dotted down to round out a commanding five-try performance, a testament to the team’s attacking depth and determination.
Despite Italy’s attempts to claw back into the game, South Africa maintained composure under pressure, matching their opponents’ intensity and holding firm in the closing stages. The result not only marks a landmark win in South African women’s rugby history but also signals their growing presence on the world stage.
Now, all eyes turn to the France vs. Brazil fixture, where the outcome will determine whether the Bok Women officially advance to the quarter-finals, a milestone achievement that now feels within touching distance.
Italy regained control of their line-out in the second half, using it as a platform to fight their way back into the contest. Francesca Sgorbini capitalized on the momentum shift, crossing the try line in the 46th minute to level the scores at 17-17.
Later, Sara Seye added another try in the 67th minute, and Beatrice Rigoni slotted the conversion to once again bring the teams level at 24-24. However, the Springbok Women responded with determination. Sinazo Mcatshulwa powered over the line from a pick-and-go, scoring the decisive try that sealed a historic win for South Africa at the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
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