South Africa meet Italy on Sunday, August 31 at 16:30 (CAT) / 15:30 (BST) in a must-win Pool D showdown.

Carrying the hopes of the African continent, South Africa opened their Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 campaign with a dominant 66–6 win over Brazil in Pool D on Sunday, August 24.

The result not only delivered the Springbok Women their first World Cup win in 14 years but also underlined their intent, as they ran in ten tries against the South American debutants. Historically, South Africa’s presence at the World Cup has often been symbolic. This time, they sent a clear message: they belong.

The Springbok Women used their experience to display the gap in class between them and Brazil, decisively overcoming the Yaras, the first South American team to compete in a Rugby World Cup.

Their next test comes on Sunday, August 31, against Italy, who were beaten 24–0 by tournament favourites France in their opening match. The Azzurri have history on their side, having won both previous encounters with South Africa including a tense 23–19 victory in Cape Town in 2024. As seasoned Six Nations contenders, Italy enter the clash as favourites, but South Africa will take confidence from that narrow defeat and their resurgent form.

Since only the top two from each pool advancing, this game has knockout implications. The winner will secure a place in the quarter-finals.

While some may downplay the Boks’ triumph over World Cup newcomers Brazil, one thing is for sure: in sports, you can only play whoever is in front of you. Their clinical performance against Brazil was matched by a show of grit and aggression, making this upcoming match one to watch as women’s rugby continues to attract new fans globally.

A perfect example came in the dying moments, when Lerato Makua pounced on a loose Brazilian lineout to score South Africa’s tenth try, resisting the temptation to simply run down the clock. It was a moment that spoke volumes about the team’s hunger.

Against Italy, the challenge will shift from attack to defence. The Italians know defeat would end their campaign, reducing their final group match against Brazil to a formality. They will be desperate to reach a second consecutive World Cup quarter-final, while South Africa are chasing history with their first.

This match will most likely be determined at the breakdown. The Italians will definitely need to improve their ball protection, compared to their performance against France, where they lost 18 turnovers and only secured four. Still, they showed discipline, conceding few penalties, and frustrated the French for the opening 20 minutes before fading. However their line out was shaky, something the Springbok Women will surely target.

If Italy’s forwards can provide a platform, their exciting young backline featuring talents like Alyssa D’Inca, Aura Muzzo, and Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi will test South Africa’s defence in ways Brazil never could.

For the Springbok Women, the task is clear: harness the momentum of their historic win, match Italy’s intensity, and take one giant step toward a World Cup quarter-final.