Springbok Women ready to rise to Black Ferns challenge

Springbok Women ready to rise to Black Ferns challenge

The Springbok Women are determined to continue their climb up the world rankings when they face New Zealand's Black Ferns in a historic Test at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday.

That view was voiced by the team leadership after they completed their preparations for this match - a double header with the Springboks and All Blacks playing later in the afternoon - at St John's College with the traditional captain's run.

Bok Women captain Babalwa Latsha said they have a clear understanding of the task at hand and are not bothered by the fact that they are taking on the second-ranked team in the women's game, nor that they were defeated 46-17 by the same side in the quarter-finals of last year's Women's Rugby World Cup in England.

"We have a plan and that includes being direct and physical and playing to our strengths, which is a very strong set piece," said Latsha.

"They are a very skilful team and will no doubt try to get around us, while the direct route is our preferred option.

"We are also aware of the historical nature of this clash, being the first one between us played in South Africa as well as our first match at FNB Stadium, the biggest stadium in the country."

Libbie Janse van Rensburg, the team's vice-captain, said they had good lessons from their previous encounter in Exeter last September.

"We had a plan and it worked for the first half, when we were 10-10," said Janse van Rensburg.

"We did not maintain that composure in the second half and that allowed them to run away with it. We cannot afford just one half, we need to play equally well in both."

The move up the world ranking is a motivation, but the growth of the team is as important, she said: "We wanted to break into the top 10 and needed to play against teams in that bracket to get there. We did that.

"Now our next focus is getting into the top five and for that we need to play against teams in the top five. Tomorrow we are doing that. Those things are all part of our growth spurt which over the last two years was impressive."

According to the World Rugby rankings South Africa will jump three places to a record high of seventh if they can beat New Zealand, with an additional place gained if the margin is by more than 15 points.

Selected stats:

Yonela Ngxingolo is the most-capped player in the squad with 46 Tests to her name. Babalwa Latsha (43 caps) is the most capped tighthead prop ever for the Springbok Women and Lindelwa Gwala (40) the most capped hooker.

Byrhandre Dolf is in line to bring up 30 caps this weekend, becoming the 12th member of match-23 to have reached that milestone.

Libbie Janse van Rensburg could extend her Springbok Women Test points record (221 points - 14 tries, 56 conversions, 12 penalty goals, 1 drop goal) if she scores any points this weekend.

Zintle Mpupha could extend her Springbok Women Test try record (20 tries in 31 tests) if she scores a try this weekend.

Head to Head:

20/08/2010: New Zealand 55, South Africa 3 (Women's Rugby World Cup pool match, Guildford, England)

13/09/2025: New Zealand 46, South Africa 17 (Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-final, Exeter, England)

Match details: Springbok Women v Black Ferns

Venue: FNB Stadium, Johannesburg

Kick-off: 13h30

Referee: Zoe Naude

Assistant Referees: Giana Viljoen, Angie Bezuidenhout

TMO: Quinton Immelman

Bunker: Christie du Preez

TV: SuperSport