South Africa make Women’s Rugby World Cup history with dramatic win over Italy

South Africa sealed a place in the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history after edging Italy 29-24 in a thrilling Pool D clash at York Community Stadium, Sport360NG reports.

The Springbok Women, who will face France next Sunday in a top-of-the-table decider, scored five tries to overcome an Italy side that pushed them to the wire. France earlier routed Brazil 84-5 to also secure progression.

“This is unbelievable and incredibly emotional,” said head coach Swys de Bruin. “We’ve never reached this stage of the tournament before, and we had never beaten Italy until now.”

Player of the match Libbie van Rensburg hailed the achievement: “We talked about changing history for women’s rugby in South Africa, and today we did that. Every single player in this squad has played a part in making the country proud.”

How the game unfolded

South Africa burst out of the blocks, with number eight Aseza Hele, who bagged a hat-trick against Brazil, crashing over for the opener. Nadine Roos quickly followed up with a second after a sharp break from fly-half Janse van Rensburg.

Italy hit back through Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, but Ayanda Malinga’s try kept the Springboks ahead. Vittoria Vecchini’s score, however, kept the Azzurre within touching distance.

After the interval, Francesca Sgorbini’s effort pulled Italy level at 17-17, only for Sizophila Solontsi to restore South Africa’s lead with the bonus-point try.

Italy refused to fade, drawing level once more when Sara Seye crossed the whitewash. But with the game in the balance, Sinazo Mcatshulwa powered over late on to clinch a landmark victory for the Springboks.