The Black Ferns, have booked their place in the semi-finals after a strong second-half performance secured a 46-17 win over South Africa at Sandy Park.
The match got off to a surprisingly intense start. South Africa dominated possession and territory, particularly in the forward pack and set-pieces. At one point they held over 80% possession in the opening half. They converted that dominance into points: tries from Babalwa Latsha and Aphiwe Ngwevu kept the Springbok Women in contention.
New Zealand found it hard going early. They were under sustained pressure, forced into many defensive phases – their tackle count was extremely high (143 in the first half to just 16 by South Africa). Still, the Black Ferns managed two tries before half-time. Theresa Setefano and Braxton Sorensen-McGee both crossed to give New Zealand a 10-5 lead. But South Africa struck just before the break through Ngwevu to level the match, 10-10.
Immediately after the break, NZ came out firing: within the first minute, Renee Holmes crossed, and soon after, Sorensen-McGee and Kaipo Olsen-Baker added tries, putting the Black Ferns ahead by a clear margin. Olsen-Baker was especially impressive: returning from what looked like a serious ankle injury earlier in the tournament, she played a standout match; strong in attack and defence, ending up among the top tacklers.
Braxton Sorensen-McGee also had a big day, scoring more than once. Renee Holmes joined the try-scoring chorus too. NZ built up a lead that South Africa couldn’t pull back from. South Africa did get one more try in the second half through Lerato Makua, but by then the momentum was clearly with New Zealand. And just before full time, Katelyn Vahaakolo sealed it with a final try. Kaipo Olsen-Baker: Her performance was pivotal. Not just for scoring, but workload, defensive hits, and leadership in the forwards.
Braxton Sorensen-McGee: Youthful, dynamic, finished well, and kept up the pressure once NZ got going. The shift at half-time: NZ regrouped, addressed their lack of possession, tightened up defence, and made the most of opportunities. South Africa’s first-half displayed real intensity and discipline. Their set-plays, forward platform, and use of possession showed they’ve come a long way. Even though they lost, their performance will be regarded as a milestone.
With this win, the Black Ferns move into the semi-finals where they will face Canada next weekend in Bristol.
Image: Rugby Union – Women’s World Cup 2025 – Quarter-Final – New Zealand v South Africa – Sandy Park, Exeter, Britain – September 13, 2025 New Zealand’s Maiakawanakaulani Roos in action during the line out Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
