Springbok Women bow out of the Rugby World Cup

South Africa’s national women’s team has been knocked out of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England at the quarter-final stage.

The Springbok Women lost to New Zealand in the first quarter-final clash of the tournament at Sandy Park in Exeter.

The Black Ferns ruthlessly scored 15 points in less than 10 minutes into the game through Sorensen-McGee, Renee Holmes and Kaipo Olsen-Baker, setting a reminder that they have won the World Cup six times.

The Black Ferns had the final score with eight tries to three, sealing a berth in the semi-finals with a 46-17 victory.

🏉 ℝ𝕌𝔾𝔹𝕐 𝕎𝕆ℝ𝕃𝔻 ℂ𝕌ℙ 🏉

A rampant second half sees the Black Ferns 🇳🇿 stamp their authority over the Springbok Women, who bow out of the Rugby World Cup.#SABCSportRugby | #RWC2025 pic.twitter.com/MjqXJlSFP7

— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) September 13, 2025

Despite contesting their first-ever World Cup quarter-final, the Springbok Women stuck to their strengths and their physicality – to keep the Black Ferns at bay – for almost 20 minutes in the opening half.

And it was South Africa who put the first points on the board against the defending champions, as Babalwa Latcha charged over the line.

Theresa Setefano opened New Zealand’s account a few minutes later, capitalising on a poor set piece from the South Africans.

Having gained some momentum, the Black Ferns added another five points, with teenager Braxton Sorensen-McGee making sure from a set-piece.

Chasing the game, the Bok Women kept their composure and remained patient toward the end of the first half.

And they were rewarded as Apiwe Ngwevu powered her way over the white wash — to go into the break, all square on 10 points each.

New Zealand simply overwhelmed South Africa, with a blitz attack, scoring four tries within the first 13 minutes of the second half.

Running rampant, they added another try, extending their lead to 39-10.

The Bok women added a consolation third try late in the half as Lerato Makua scored — but sadly it was too little to late for the South Africans.

The Black Ferns added two more tries in dying minutes – keeping their title defence on track with a berth in the semi-finals – the score 46-17.