Latest news with #SpringbokWomen
IOL News
4 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Preparing for glory: How Springbok Women's team are building depth for 2025 Rugby World Cup
Winger Patience Mokone (23) was one of the stand-out young players for the Springbok Women in the Rugby Africa Cup. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Comment by Leighton Koopman Building and maintaining depth has always been one of the biggest stumbling blocks for the Springbok Women's side. However, under the tutelage of performance coach Swys de Bruin and his assistants Franzel September, Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Bafana Nhleko, they have ticked one box after the other on their way to the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England. A few blocks must still fall in place over the next month, especially on the field, but the Bok Women are set to head to the United Kingdom in August with their strongest squad ever to compete at the event. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The women's game in South Africa will not only benefit ahead of the World Cup, but also in the long run as well. De Bruin has ensured the blueprint of Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus was followed looking at how they have expanded the overall squad with talented players. Broadening the selection pool at a national level has been crucial to the Bok Women's success over the past few months, and they did that while winning matches. The short-term goal is to make them as competitive as possible when they take on France, Italy and Brazil in the pool stages at the World Cup. Looking at how they are currently faring, there exists a realistic chance that they can progress past the pool stages. Unbeaten in Africa. United in purpose. The #BokWomen are Rugby Africa Cup champions for the fourth time 🏆#MakeItCount #ETTIG — SA Women's Rugby (@WomenBoks) June 15, 2025 The Springbok Women recently returned from the Rugby Africa Women's Cup in Madagascar with an unbeaten record, achieved by a fairly inexperienced squad coached by September and Nhleko. They took 28 players, some of whom made their debut in Madagascar, and defeated all three of their opponents, so that is something to celebrate. On top of that, only four players in the match-day squad for the final game against the host nation had 15 or more caps behind their names. It shows that something is being done right in the Bok Women's camp, and if they can continue on this path, they'll see more success in the future. Twenty other players stayed behind for a camp with De Bruin and Johannes-Haupt, where they were fine-tuning their plans for two important Tests against Canada next month. The Canadians are ranked second in the world, so the Springbok Women could not have asked for stronger opponents to measure themselves against ahead of the tournament. They will know exactly where they stand in terms of competitiveness after the two matches that will act as openers for the men's Tests against Italy, on July 5 in Pretoria and July 12 in Gqeberha. The South Africans made proper plans for Canada over the last couple of months, so they should be able to string together some strong performances. Whatever happens this season, De Bruin and his assistants have ensured that women's rugby at the top level will be healthy going forward. They've embraced the example of Erasmus when it comes to broadening their player base, while winning on the international scene. That will stand them in good stead, not just at the World Cup, but also for what awaits on the international scene after the tournament.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Youthful Springbok Women's team came to the party in Madagascar's Africa Cup
The Springbok Women returned home on Monday relieved and proud that they executed their mandate in Madagascar at the 2025 Rugby Africa Women's Cup after wins over Uganda, Kenya and Madagascar. This resulted in another continental title and trophy for the South Africans. According to Springbok Women assistant coach Franzel September, the planning stages for this tournament were one thing, but the execution thereof was another and they are pleased that the young team delivered on several objectives planned. 'We came here with a clear view of what we wanted out of the tournament,' said September. 'It was part of our Rugby World Cup preparations, but we also wanted the players to express themselves out there. 'We decided to bring a number of uncapped players here but there was never any doubt about their talent and ability. They showed in the provincial competition that they can mix it with our current Springboks, and they did not disappoint. 'One of the players just came to thank the coaches with tears in her eyes for getting the opportunity to showcase her talent on the international stage. We gave them the opportunity, and they used it.' September said the moving parts came together nicely: 'I am also happy that we could integrate some of our sevens players into our system, they did well, while we also had eight players in the squad that played in the previous Rugby World Cup, and they needed match time in their legs as well. It was a successful trip for the programme.' Anathi Qolo, who captained the team to Madagascar, also praised the new players and said the fact that they won all three matches gave them confidence and a clear idea of what is needed in the green and gold. 'This was not an easy competition, make no mistake, the other teams tested us in many aspects of our play, and we had to work really hard as a team to achieve the desired results,' said Qolo. Reflecting on the 61-17 victory over Madagascar on Sunday, Qolo said: 'We executed the game plan well. We knew they would want to go wide all the time, so had a plan to bring them back to our pack and it worked well. 'Overall, it was a success. We came to win, and we leave undefeated, so it was a successful mission.'
The Star
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Springbok Women survive late rally from Kenya to maintain unbeaten run at Rugby Africa Cup
The Springbok Women's poor ball retention almost came back to bite them as they survived a late onslaught to hold off the Kenya Lionesses 19-12 in their Rugby Africa Women 's Cup clash at the Stade Makis in Antananarivo, Madagascar on Wednesday. The South Africans – who thrashed Uganda 62-7 in their tournament opener – were dominant in the opening 40 minutes, but could only muster 12 points from two tries and a conversion. The Bok Women, who are using the tournament as preparation for the World Cup in September, got stuck into the Kenyans from the start. The forwards, with the likes of tighthead prop Nombuyekezo Mdliki, captain and lock Anathi Qolo and hooker Luchell Hanekom prominent, made serious inroads on attack with their strong carries, and they were backed up by backs such as wing Patience Mokone and fullback Byrhandr é Dolf. But the Bok Women battled to finish off a number of attacking moves, with their handling letting them down as they either lost possession or conceded breakdown turnover or penalty at crucial times inside the Kenyan 22. That trend continued in the second half, and despite enjoying a healthy advantage in the scrums and playing with great physicality, SA were met with courageous defence by the determined Kenyans. The Bok Women started off well enough, with powerful centre Aphiwe Ngwevu charging over from close range after a clever inside pass from flyhalf Mary Zulu. But the South Africans had to wait until the 35th minute to add to their tally, when red-haired wing Mokone's dazzling run was finished off by flank Lerato Makua. The defending champions never looked in any danger of losing the game despite their frustrating time on attack, and replacement loose forward Nobuhle Mjwara's touchdown with less than 15 minutes to go seemed to seal the victory. But Kenya never gave up, and two late tries led to a thrilling finish. Wing Freshia Awino got the East Africans on the scoreboard with good pace down the left flank, and a few minutes later, replacement prop Noleen Khaleyi dived over after a stunning counter-attack from inside their own half. Suddenly it was 19-12 with five minutes to go, and the South Africans looked like they had lost their grip on the encounter.
IOL News
11-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Springbok Women survive late rally from Kenya to maintain unbeaten run at Rugby Africa Cup
Aphiwe Ngwevu Springbok Women centre Aphiwe Ngwevu scores the opening try against Kenya on Wednesday. Photo: Rugby Africa Image: Rugby Africa The Springbok Women's poor ball retention almost came back to bite them as they survived a late onslaught to hold off the Kenya Lionesses 19-12 in their Rugby Africa Women's Cup clash at the Stade Makis in Antananarivo, Madagascar on Wednesday. The South Africans – who thrashed Uganda 62-7 in their tournament opener – were dominant in the opening 40 minutes, but could only muster 12 points from two tries and a conversion. The Bok Women, who are using the tournament as preparation for the World Cup in September, got stuck into the Kenyans from the start. The forwards, with the likes of tighthead prop Nombuyekezo Mdliki, captain and lock Anathi Qolo and hooker Luchell Hanekom prominent, made serious inroads on attack with their strong carries, and they were backed up by backs such as wing Patience Mokone and fullback Byrhandré Dolf. But the Bok Women battled to finish off a number of attacking moves, with their handling letting them down as they either lost possession or conceded breakdown turnover or penalty at crucial times inside the Kenyan 22. That trend continued in the second half, and despite enjoying a healthy advantage in the scrums and playing with great physicality, SA were met with courageous defence by the determined Kenyans. The Bok Women started off well enough, with powerful centre Aphiwe Ngwevu charging over from close range after a clever inside pass from flyhalf Mary Zulu. But the South Africans had to wait until the 35th minute to add to their tally, when red-haired wing Mokone's dazzling run was finished off by flank Lerato Makua. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The defending champions never looked in any danger of losing the game despite their frustrating time on attack, and replacement loose forward Nobuhle Mjwara's touchdown with less than 15 minutes to go seemed to seal the victory. But Kenya never gave up, and two late tries led to a thrilling finish. Wing Freshia Awino got the East Africans on the scoreboard with good pace down the left flank, and a few minutes later, replacement prop Noleen Khaleyi dived over after a stunning counter-attack from inside their own half. Suddenly it was 19-12 with five minutes to go, and the South Africans looked like they had lost their grip on the encounter. But the Bok Women managed to close out the game without any further drama. Assistant coaches Bafana Nhleko and Franzel September – who are managing the team in this event in the absence of head coach Swys de Bruin – will hope to see the players be much more decisive with ball-in-hand in their third match against hosts Madagascar on Sunday (2pm SA time start) in what is sure to be in front of a partisan home crowd. Points-Scorers Springbok Women 19 – Tries: Aphiwe Ngwevu, Lerato Makua, Nobuhle Mjwara. Conversions: Mary Zulu (2). Kenya Lionesses 12 – Tries: Freshia Awino, Noleen Khaleyi. Conversion: Sinaida Nyachio (1).
The Citizen
07-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Ten-try Bok Women too strong for Uganda
Playing with the wind in their backs in the first half, the Springbok Women showed good variation in play. The Springbok Women scored 10 tries as they kicked their Rugby Africa Women's Cup title defence off on a winning note with a 62-6 victory over Uganda on a sunny and breezy afternoon at Stade Makis in Antananarivo. The South Africans fielded eight debutants and gave a number of fringe players valuable game time. The way in which they dismantled the Lady Cranes bodes well for the future and will make the selectors' job even tougher when they have to finalise the Rugby World Cup squad in a few weeks' time. Playing with the wind in their backs in the first half, the Springbok Women showed good variation in play, going the direct route and then wide to keep the Ugandan defence honest. Loose forward Lerato Makua and debutants Faith Tshauke (No 8) and Patience Mokone (wing) all crossed for braces. In control South Africa were in control for most of the match and deservedly led 29-0 at the break, but it could have been more, with a number of unforced errors creeping into their game. The Bok Women scored at regular intervals during the opening stanza, with Makua scoring a first-half brace, while Simamkele Namba, Byrhandré Dolf and Tshauke also crossed for tries. Mary Zulu added two conversions. Makua went over under the uprights in the fifth minute and Namba, back from sevens duty, was worked over in the corner after good play from a strong attacking scrum six minutes later to give South Africa a 12-0 lead. Tshauke, looking impressive at No 8, was rewarded for her strong early play with a try on debut in the 16th minute before Dolf's try, seven minutes later, also came after the Bok Women found space out side. It took South Africa another 15 minutes before Makua crashed over for her second after the team showed great patience on attack in the Ugandan 22. Strong start to the second half The South Africans were out of the blocks in no time after the break as Tshauke added her second try with a strong run off the back of a scrum in the 42nd minute, and shortly thereafter the speedy Patience Mokone scored a breakaway try from her own 10m line, with Zulu converting both to make it 43-0 for the Bok Women with just over half and hour to go. Uganda scored against the run of play when Suzan Adong intercepted and raced away, but the Bok Women were not done yet and added another XX tries to their tally, with Aphiwe Ngwevu and Sinothile Bhengu – with a try on debut – proving unstoppable at close quarters, before Mokone linked up well with her inside backs for her second five-pointer. Uganda finished strong but failed to breach South Africa's impressive defence, with the Bok Women continuing their strong play until the 80th minute to seal a great victory.
