First came the performance. Then came the proof.
Last week, we watched the Springbok Women push New Zealand’s Black Ferns XV to the brink in a thrilling 26-34 loss that left even hardened critics murmuring respect. That day at Athlone Stadium felt like something shifted. A team long overshadowed by resource disparity and dismissive commentary had found its feet – and had stared down one of the most sophisticated rugby ecosystems in the world.
But this weekend?
They went a step further.
South Africa 41, Black Ferns XV 24.
Let that score settle for a moment.
Seven tries. A dominant forward display. Tactical execution. Structured pressure. A victory not built on a fluke, not delivered by chance, but forged by design – and by a coaching brain finally matching the raw talent South Africa has long possessed.
🔥 From Effort to Execution
A week ago, we said it loud: that first match was the best performance in the history of the Springbok Women’s team. It was bold, structured, and emotionally charged. But it was also a loss.
This time, the scoreboard caught up to the performance.
Ayanda Malinga struck early off a turnover. Byrhandré Dolf followed up a cheeky grubber with pace and poise. Then came Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Yonela Ngxingolo, Lindelwa Gwala, Lerato Makua, and Luchell Hanekom – all dotting down as the Springboks rumbled in seven times. It wasn’t just the number of tries. It was the variety of them: from smart offloads to rolling mauls, from counter-attacks to structured forward punches. And it all clicked.
Janse van Rensburg added three conversions, but this game wasn’t about goal-kicking margins. It was about how South Africa led 24-12 at half-time and never let go. It was about owning the tempo, the collisions, the territory – and the moment.
The Black Ferns XV, for their part, were far from poor. Kelsey Teneti once again scored. Holly Greenway, Luka Connor, and Justine McGregor all crossed the line. But unlike the first Test, this time they weren’t dictating. They were reacting.
🧠 The Swys de Bruin Effect
Let’s give credit where it’s due: Swys de Bruin is quietly building something special here.
The former Lions head coach – once known for turning a loose, instinct-driven side into one of Super Rugby’s most cohesive units – has brought that same calm, tactical discipline to the Springbok Women. You could see it in the exits. You could feel it in the way the backs operated on second phase ball. You could hear it in the communication across the line.
There’s now intentionality in everything they do — not just hope, hustle, and heart.
Swys hasn’t “fixed” this team. He’s focused it.
And alongside a group of forwards who are now consistently dominating contact (Ngxingolo, Gwala, Makua – take a bow), and backs who are finally being used with shape (Dolf, Malinga, and Janse van Rensburg were excellent), you now have a Springbok Women’s side with systems that match their belief.
🇿🇦 A Moment Bigger Than the Scoreline
Make no mistake – this result isn’t just historic. It’s symbolic.
New Zealand’s Black Ferns XV may not be their official Test side, but they are better than most first teams in world rugby. Many of these players will be in black jerseys at the next World Cup. So when the Bok Women not only match but dismantle them in a return Test, that’s not a fluke.
That’s evolution.
And yet, you still hear it – from the same South Africans who’ve spent decades rooting for the All Blacks, snickering at local progress.
“It wasn’t their full team.”
Sure. Say that, if it helps you avoid what actually happened in Cape Town.
What happened was the most meaningful back-to-back performances in South African women’s rugby history. What happened was a tactical and emotional levelling up. What happened was a warning shot to Tier 1 nations: the Springbok Women are arriving.
👊 The Path Ahead
The World Cup looms. So too does the real challenge: consistency. Can this team hold the line when the tournament pressure sets in? Can they match up against England, France, Canada – and eventually New Zealand’s actual first team, six-time world champions?
That’s the next test.
But right now? This team deserves its flowers. From Athlone to everywhere else.
Because for once, we’re not cheering effort.
We’re cheering achievement.
And it’s only just beginning.
