Springbok Women Face Crucial Showdown Against Italy at RWC 2025

Prescience Media, Kevin Rademeyer

London: It’s a defining week for the Springbok Women as they prepare to face Italy in a pivotal Round Two clash at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. After a historic 66-6 opening-round victory over Brazil, South Africa now has its sights firmly set on a quarterfinal berth.

Centre Zintle Mpupha reflected on the team’s mindset ahead of the game: “It was a great start, but whatever we did last weekend doesn’t matter this weekend. We have to start from zero again and build on that.”

The Springbok Women face a significantly tougher challenge than Brazil. Italy, ranked eighth in the world, bring flair, skill, and a proven record against South Africa, having defeated the Springboks twice in recent WXV 2 encounters — 36-18 in 2023 and 23-19 in 2024.

Utility forward Catha Jacobs highlighted the confidence boost from the Brazil win:“There were a lot of positive moments and strong connections in how we played last weekend. Going forward, that’s definitely going to help us a lot.”

Tactical Tweaks for a Tough Opponent

Springbok head coach Swys de Bruin has made strategic adjustments to counter Italy’s strengths. Nadine Roos, who scored South Africa’s first try against Brazil, moves from scrumhalf to fullback, while Unam Tose takes over at scrumhalf. Chumisa Qawe starts at inside centre, and Eloise Webb makes her World Cup debut from the bench. Byrhandré Dolf shifts to right wing in place of Maceala Samboya. The forward pack remains unchanged.

De Bruin explained the reasoning: “Italy don’t like to play much rugby in their own half, often opting to kick for territory. Nadine’s ability on the counterattack will be crucial, and with Byrhandré in open play, we should be effective in combating that.”

He emphasised that the team is sticking to its core strengths: “Our pack will still go out to do physical damage, and as they showed against Brazil, we are effective in set piece play.”

Captain Nolusindiso Booi reinforced the squad’s focus: “A win will take us into the top ten on the world rankings for the first time and push us toward that playoff spot we’ve worked so hard for. We’re ready.”

Italy’s Challenge

Italy, led by coach Fabio Roselli, will be looking to recover from a 0-24 loss to France. They enter the match with a rich World Cup pedigree, having finished fifth in the 2022 tournament. Scrumhalf Sofia Stefan will earn her 100th cap, becoming only the third woman to reach that milestone. Roselli made two changes to his starting lineup, aiming to build pressure on the Springbok Women while managing the emotions surrounding Stefan’s centurion achievement.

De Bruin warned that Italy’s threat is not limited to their backs: “They have a much better maul than everyone is thinking. They maul well and have the best maul metres so far in the tournament. They’re not just a backline fast team — they play a nice brand of rugby.”

Match Details

Date: Sunday, August 31, 2025
Venue: York Community Stadium, York
Kick-off: 16:30 (15:30 England time, 14:30 GMT)
Referee: Ella Goldsmith (RA)

South Africa Starting XV: Nadine Roos, Byrhandré Dolf, Zintle Mpupha, Chumisa Qawe, Ayanda Malinga, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Unam Tose, Aseza Hele, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Sizophila Solontsi, Danelle Lochner, Nolusindiso Booi (c), Babalwa Latsha, Lindelwa Gwala, Sanelisiwe Charlie
Replacements: Micke Gunter, Yonela Ngxingolo, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Vainah Ubisi, Lerato Makua, Catha Jacobs, Eloise Webb, Aphiwe Ngwevu

Italy Starting XV: Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, Aura Muzzo, Michela Sillari, Beatrice Rigoni, Alyssa D’Inca, Emma Stevanin, Sofia Stefan, Elisa Giordana Duca, Beatrice Veronese, Francesca Sgorbini, Giordana Duca, Sara Tounesi, Sara Seye, Vittoria Veccheni, Silvia Turani

The match promises intensity, skill, and high stakes — a true test for the Springbok Women on their quest to make history at the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

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