Bok Women mark historic milestone with an emphatic victory

It’s a World Cup year for women’s rugby, and the Springbok Women got off to the best possible start, kicking off their season with a powerful win against Spain in Alicante on Saturday, 19 April.

Las Leonas were once again crowned European champions in April, their 12th title, and had a lot more recent game time under their belts, while the Springbok Women last played in October 2024, during the WXV 2 tournament. But while there was perhaps a little rustiness on display at times, the Springbok Women hit the ground running, and absolutely controlled the first half, with a halftime score of 5-31 to the Springbok Women. Like any South African rugby side worth its salt, they dominated the set pieces, and were imperious at scrum time. They also displayed plenty of flair out wide, with the fact that many of the players compete in Sevens as well evident in their pace and agility. This holistic approach resulted in some wonderful tries from both the forwards and the backs throughout the game, with Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Aseza Hele (2), Lindelwa Gwala, Jakkie Cilliers, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Tayla Kinsey, and Yonela Ngxingolo all dotting down for South Africa. The wind was howling in the Spanish port city, making for tough conditions at times, and particularly off the kicking tee. This reflected in the fact that both sides missed around half of their kicks at posts, but didn’t detract from an impressive game.

Las Leonas obviously had a good chat during the break, as they found their way back into the game in the second half, scoring four tries to the South Africans’ three. It was too little too late for the Spaniards, though, and the Springbok Women secured a comfortable 26-48 win away from home. The result extends their current winning streak over Las Leonas to six Tests. This run of victories began in 2022, with three of the six games played at home, and three away – prior to this, the Springbok Women had lost all three previous games against Las Leonas (2014, 2018, and 2019), so it really is a great testament to the team’s growth in recent years.

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Saturday’s match was a particularly special one for another historic reason, as Captain Nolusindiso Booi became the first Springbok Women player to reach 50 Test caps. The stalwart of South African women’s rugby, who turns 40 this year, made her debut for the Springbok Women 15 years ago, against Kazakhstan, a mere six years after the women’s team was formed. She has since represented South Africa at three Rugby World Cups, and will certainly be hoping to add the 2025 iteration to that tally as well. Growing up in a small village in rural Eastern Cape, where cricket was the primary sport, she came to rugby later in life, but has certainly made her mark on the sport since her international debut at 24. The feat of achieving 50 caps is made even more impressive when you consider that the Springbok Women have only played around 78 Tests since their first game in May 2004. It’s no surprise that Coach Swys de Bruin suggested that it should be considered in the same light, and with the same prestige, as one of the Springbok Men reaching 100 caps. That may change over time, as the women’s game in South Africa continues to grow at exponential rates and the team has the opportunity to play more frequently, but for now, it’s a remarkable accomplishment. Nolusindiso was humble as always in the lead up to the game, focusing more on the importance of starting the season well than on her milestone, but I am sure the team will be thrilled to have marked the occasion with a comprehensive victory in her honour.