History In Motion: Springbok Women Embrace World Cup Quarterfinal Challenge

The Springbok Women have never been here before. For the first time in history, South Africa will contest a Rugby World Cup quarterfinal, and as the team prepares to face New Zealand in Exeter this weekend, the moment feels bigger than a single match. It is a milestone for women’s sport, a reward for years of persistence, and a glimpse into a future where South Africa’s women take their rightful place on rugby’s biggest stage.

The journey to this point has been shaped by resilience. A powerful win over Italy set the tone, followed by a spirited performance against France. Now, with Pool D behind them, the Bok Women carry both momentum and belief into the knockout rounds.

At the heart of this campaign are players who have come to symbolise the team’s spirit. Zintle Mpupha, a stalwart of the squad, brings calm authority and adaptability, qualities honed over a career that has taken her from local fields in the Eastern Cape to the world stage. Nadine Roos, meanwhile, has been one of the standout playmakers of the tournament, using her pace, vision, and tenacity to trouble opposition defences and inspire her teammates.

Both players know exactly what lies ahead against the reigning world champions.

“We know the challenge that comes with facing New Zealand - they are one of the best teams in the world, let alone the fact that they are defending World Cup champions,” says Mpupha. “But we’re not going into the game with fear. For us, it’s about focusing on our systems, sticking to our plan, and showing the fight and resilience that defines the Bok Women. We respect them, but we also back ourselves to compete and leave everything on the field.”

Roos builds on that belief, highlighting the mindset in camp.

“We know this is a knockout - if you win you get to stay, if you lose you’re on a plane back to South Africa. Our approach is no different: we want to win, and we believe we can do it if we implement the systems both on attack and defence that the coaches have put in place. We know they are the World Champs and they’ve won the Cup six times, but they are human just like us, and this game will come down to who wants it most.”

Looking back at the France result, Roos is honest but optimistic.

“It’s never nice losing, and the scoreline didn’t reflect how the game really went,” she explains. “There were a lot of positives to take, and I believe it’s up to us as experienced players to pick the group up, focus on the learnings, and not dwell on mistakes. The ladies really played their hearts out, and we take that fight with us into the quarterfinal.”

For Mpupha, the significance of Saturday goes beyond rugby. This is not just another fixture on the calendar; it is the culmination of years of sacrifice, of moments when opportunities for women were scarce and belief was the only fuel.  To now stand on the cusp of a Rugby World Cup quarterfinal - wearing the green and gold in front of a global audience - is both deeply personal and profoundly symbolic.

“It’s massive — not just for us as players, but for women’s rugby in South Africa,” she says. “To be part of history, to take the Bok Women into a World Cup knockout stage for the first time, is truly special. It’s a dream come true, and we carry the pride of our families, our communities, and everyone who has supported us on this journey. It’s bigger than just a game.”

As the team prepares for one of the biggest moments of their lives, both players share the same message with the supporters who have carried them this far. For Nadine Roos, this moment is layered with pride and perspective. Once a sevens specialist who switched codes to test herself at the highest level, Roos has become one of the Bok Women’s most influential figures. Her attacking flair, composure under pressure, and relentless work ethic have made her a role model for younger players who now see a pathway that once barely existed.

Both players share the same message with the supporters who have carried them this far.

“Thank you for being our PlusOne, always standing by us and believing in us,” they say. “Your support lifts us in the tough moments and drives us to give our all. Whatever happens, know that we are playing for you, for South Africa, and we will leave everything on that field. Keep backing us, keep believing - because this journey is only just beginning.”

On Saturday, the Springbok Women will take to the field against the most decorated team in women’s rugby.

Win or lose, they have already broken barriers, inspired thousands, and etched their names into history. For Mpupha, Roos, and their teammates, this is more than a quarterfinal. It is proof that South African women’s rugby has arrived - and it is here to stay.

Total Words: 858