CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Two of the greatest rugby nations in the world, with an iconic rivalry in the men’s game that captures the imagination of the sporting world, will clash in the Women’s C quarter-finals on Saturday,13 September as the 2025 showpiece in England reaches the knockout stage.
While South Africa have the World Cup titles bragging rights on the men’s side of things, the Springbok Women face a challenge in Exeter against a formidable New Zealand team, the defending champions and record six-time tournament winners.
The two teams have previously played against each just once at the Rugby World Cup, with New Zealand running riot 55-3 at the 2010 edition in England.
They meet again in the same country on Saturday – 15 years later – with South Africa eager to script another fairytale following what has been their best tournament since their first appearance back in 2006.
The Southern Africans understand the task at hand, and expect the Black Ferns to come guns blazing at Sandy Park.
“We like the physical stuff, we back our strength and we feel it’s the right thing to do,” said South Africa Head Coach Swys De Bruin.
The Bok Women have made 10 changes to their starting line-up, as they try to find the right formula to overcome the world champions.
The 40-year-old captain Nolusindiso Booi, who missed last weekend’s 57-10 defeat to France in the last pool match, makes a return.
Prop Sanelisiwe Charlie, hooker Lindelwa Gwala, lock Danelle Lochne and flanker Sizophila Solontsi return to the forwards pack as South Africa look to challenge the Black Ferns in the physical battle upfront.
Fly-half Libbie Janse van Rensburg, centre Zintle Mpupha and wing Ayanda Malinga are also making comebacks.
New Zealand have won each of their last 17 Rugby World Cup matches, last losing in 2014 against Ireland, with all three of their victories in 2025 coming by margins of 40 points or more.
The New Zealanders start as favourites to progress through to the semi-finals, but they have huge amounts of respect for a much-improved South African side that has come to this tournament with enthusiasm and flair.
“This match against South Africa means a lot to us, it’s a final, we are also aware of what this game means to South Africa. We have selected our strongest available 23,” said Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting.
“It’s also important to mention the fans who travel near and far to support the Black Ferns, including our whānau (family). We feel and appreciate the continuous support for our wāhine (women).”
New Zealand – co-captained by Ruahei Demant and Kennedy Tukuafu – have named a side full of experienced and multiple-capped stars. Utility back Kelly Brazier, who played the last time the Black Ferns faced South Africa 15 years ago and scored 15 points, doesn’t however make the match-day 23.
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