"Never stopped fighting" - Springbok Women Player Ratings from heavy defeat to Black Ferns
Women's RugbyMonday, 07 September 2026 at 08:11
The Springbok Women were beaten 52-20 by New Zealand at FNB Stadium on Saturday, but there were encouraging moments in a performance that showed both the strengths and weaknesses of the South African side.
New Zealand started strongly and put the hosts under early pressure, but South Africa refused to allow the match to become one-sided. Lindelwa Gwala opened the scoring for the Springboks after South Africa built pressure close to the New Zealand line.
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The home side continued to compete through their forwards, with their scrum providing one of the strongest parts of their game. South Africa also found opportunities in attack, with Aphiwe Ngwevu producing an impressive finish after a quick decision from Unam Tose helped create the opening.
The Black Ferns, however, were able to turn pressure into points and went into the interval with a 24-10 advantage.
South Africa responded after the break when Vainah Ubisi powered over for her first try. The Springboks continued to look dangerous when they were able to secure possession and play with momentum. New Zealand eventually created too much pressure for the hosts to contain, adding further tries as the second half progressed. Ubisi gave South Africa another late moment to celebrate by scoring her second try.
Although the final score was difficult for South Africa, the Springboks showed enough attacking and set-piece quality to suggest there are positives to take from the Test.
SCORERS:
SPRINGBOKS WOMEN: 20
Tries: 4 (Lindelwa Gwala 14’, Apiwe Ngwevu 31’, Vainah Ubisi 49’, 80+2’
Conversions: 0
Drop Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0
New Zealand: 52
Tries: 8 (Elinor-Plum King 2’, 57’ Braxton Sorensen-McGee 10’ Chryss Viliko 37’ Braxton Sorensen-McGee 40+2’ Maia Joseph 51’ Amarante Sititi 73’ Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu 75′)
Conversions: 6 (Hannah King 11’ Braxton Sorensen-McGee 38’, 52’, 57’, 74’, 76’)
Drop Goals: 0
Yellow Cards: 4 (Mererangi Paul 28’, Georgia Ponsonby, 48’ Ayesha Leti-I’iga, 49’ Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu 80+2’)
Red Cards: 0
SPRINGBOK WOMEN PLAYER RATINGS
15. Byrhandré Dolf — 6/10
Dolf had a demanding afternoon at the back as New Zealand repeatedly tested South Africa’s defensive organisation. She tried to give the team an option when clearing pressure and remained involved despite the Black Ferns’ attacking pressure.
14. Alichia Arries — 6/10
Arries put in a committed shift on the wing. She was required to spend much of the match defending rather than attacking, which limited her influence with ball in hand.
13. Zintle Mpupha — 6.5/10
Mpupha brought experience to the midfield and worked hard when South Africa were forced to defend. She helped South Africa remain competitive during periods when the team managed to establish possession.
12. Aphiwe Ngwevu — 8/10
One of South Africa’s best performers. Ngwevu showed excellent determination when she received the ball and finished strongly for the Springboks’ second try. She was one of the players who consistently looked capable of making something happen in attack.
11. Ayanda Malinga — 6.5/10
Malinga worked hard on both sides of the ball and was willing to take responsibility when South Africa needed to carry forward. New Zealand’s ability to control territory meant she had fewer chances to attack from wide areas.
10. Libbie Janse van Rensburg — 7/10
Janse van Rensburg had an important role in trying to manage South Africa’s territory and possession. She helped South Africa turn pressure into attacking opportunities and remained composed while New Zealand applied pressure.
9. Unam Tose — 7.5/10
Tose provided energy and quick thinking around the base of the ruck. Her decision-making helped create Ngwevu’s try and she was one of the players who gave the South African attack some urgency.
8. Aseza Hele — 7/10
Hele was heavily involved in the physical battle. She carried strongly and contributed around the breakdown as South Africa attempted to match New Zealand’s intensity.
7. Catha Jacobs — 7/10
Jacobs produced a hardworking performance and was regularly involved around the contact area. She helped South Africa compete during some of their strongest periods, particularly when the forwards began to build pressure.
6. Sizophila Solontsi — 6.5/10
Solontsi worked hard defensively and contributed to the physical battle. New Zealand’s attacking movement eventually made life difficult, but her effort throughout the match was clear.
5. Danelle Lochner — 6.5/10
Lochner put in plenty of work in the pack and helped South Africa compete physically. The Springboks needed greater consistency from their set-piece platform, particularly when trying to maintain pressure.
4. Vainah Ubisi — 8.5/10
South Africa’s standout performer. Ubisi scored twice and provided a constant physical presence close to the New Zealand line. Her ability to finish from short range gave the Springboks an important attacking weapon and she remained influential even as the visitors pulled away.
3. Babalwa Latsha — 7.5/10
Latsha led from the front and was part of a scrum that gave New Zealand plenty to think about. South Africa’s work at scrum time was one of the clearest positives from the match, and the captain played an important role in that area.
2. Lindelwa Gwala — 7.5/10
Gwala made an immediate contribution by scoring South Africa’s opening try. She worked hard in the forward exchanges and was an important figure as the Springboks attempted to establish a physical platform.
1. Sanelisiwe Charlie — 7/10
Charlie contributed to a front row that performed strongly in the scrum. She was involved in the physical exchanges and helped South Africa produce one of their better set-piece performances.
Replacements
16. Anushka Groenewald — 6/10
Brought fresh energy when introduced and helped South Africa maintain their physical approach.
17. Yonela Ngxingolo — 6/10
Worked hard after coming onto the field and contributed to the forward effort.
18. Nombuyekezo Mdliki — 6/10
Added fresh legs to the pack and helped South Africa continue competing during the latter stages.
19. Nomsa Mokwai — 6/10
Provided physicality after entering the match but had limited opportunities to change the momentum.
20. Shiniqwa Lamprecht — 6/10
Brought energy from the bench and remained involved as South Africa searched for another response.
21. Logan Welman — 6/10
Worked hard during her time on the field and helped keep the Springboks competitive.
22. Anacadia Minnaar — 6/10
Provided fresh options in the backline during the closing stages.
23. Maceala Samboya — 6/10
Had limited time to make a major difference but contributed during the final stages.
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