Historic clash shows Springbok Women’s promise despite Black Ferns defeat

The score suggested a one-sided defeat, but the Springbok Women gave New Zealand’s Black Ferns a genuine contest at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium. South Africa lost 52-20 on 5 September, yet their performance offered signs that they belong among the world’s top teams.

The match marked the first time a full-strength Black Ferns side had played on African soil. New Zealand started sharply, scoring twice in the opening 10 minutes as quick passing and rapid clearances repeatedly exposed gaps in the South African defense.

Braxton Sorensen-McGee underlined the threat. She took a slick pass from behind halfway, cut inside at speed and scored. She added another try just before halftime, while South Africa initially struggled to handle New Zealand’s pressure and lost possession at the breakdown.

The Springbok Women gradually settled and began imposing their physical game. Their scrum dominance forced more than seven penalties, helping them regain possession and territory. Three of their four tries came from lineouts converted into rolling mauls, showing the strength of their structure even as inconsistent lineout execution remained a weakness.

New Zealand’s spontaneity and pace out wide ultimately created the difference. Amarante Sititi, who came off the bench, scored her second try in black in only her second appearance. It was the seventh of New Zealand’s eight tries. The Black Ferns had also performed the haka before the historic match.