London (Patrika English News): South Africa women’s coach Swys de Bruin says belief in miracles will be key as his team prepares for its first-ever Women’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinal, a daunting clash against six-time champions New Zealand Black Ferns on Saturday in Exeter.
South Africa heads into the knockout round after resting 10 frontline players in a heavy 57-10 defeat to France last week, with de Bruin stacking his bench with a 7–1 split in anticipation of the Black Ferns test.
“It’s a matter of belief. We believe in miracles,” de Bruin said, urging his Springbok Women to embrace the occasion as the biggest game of their lives.
Tough Odds Against Black Ferns
The challenge is immense. New Zealand hasn’t lost a World Cup match in 11 years, or a knockout game in 27 years. The Black Ferns also welcome back Kaipo Olsen-Baker and South Africa-born Amy du Plessis from injury, strengthening their squad further.
Other Quarterfinal Matchups
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Canada vs. Australia (Bristol): Canada carries a 7-0 record against Australia, including a 45-7 win in Brisbane earlier this year.
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France vs. Ireland (Exeter): France has won the last eight meetings, each by at least 12 points.
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England vs. Scotland (Bristol): England holds a 27-match winning streak over Scotland, which hasn’t beaten the Red Roses since 1999.
This marks only the fourth time in 10 Women’s Rugby World Cups that quarterfinals are being staged, after appearances in 1998, 2002 and 2022.
Players to Watch
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Sophie De Goede (Canada): Top carrier, top offloader, and second-best goalkicker in the pool stage.
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Jorja Miller & Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (New Zealand): The only players to beat 20+ defenders so far.
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Aoife Wafer (Ireland): Six Nations’ best player, yet to appear in this tournament.
Quotes
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South Africa captain Nolusindiso Booi: “It’s my last World Cup, so for me it’s about giving everything because I know that after we’re done I won’t touch a rugby ball again.”
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Scotland scrumhalf Leia Brebner-Holden: “They might be English but they’re all right, I suppose …”
Quarterfinal Schedule (GMT)
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Saturday:
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New Zealand vs South Africa, Exeter, 1200
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Canada vs Australia, Bristol, 1500
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Sunday:
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France vs Ireland, Exeter, 1200
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England vs Scotland, Bristol, 1500
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