The Springbok Women’s hopes of finishing their World Cup pool stage on a high were dashed as France cut loose for a convincing victory in Northampton on Sunday.
The French Women ran in nine tries as they demolished the Bok Women 57-10 at Franklin’s Gardens.
South Africa secured their first-ever World Cup quarter final appearance after impressive wins over Brazil and Italy. The Bok Women entered the clash with momentum, but the contest was effectively over by half-time as France ran in four tries with a mix of power and precision to expose South Africa’s flaws.
Gabrielle Vernier makes it look easy 😮💨#RWC2025 #FRAvRSA pic.twitter.com/dVi15fYtr0
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 7, 2025
The South Africans’ task became even tougher when centre Chumisa Qawe was shown a 20-minute red card in the first half, and although they were restored to full complement, France maintained their stranglehold, adding five more tries after the break.
There was at least some consolation at the death, when Nadine Roos – comfortably South Africa’s standout performer – sprinted clear to score under the posts with the final play of the game.
Clock in the red, Nadine Roos turns the afterburners on 😤🇿🇦#RWC2025 | #HereForHer pic.twitter.com/If9gmM8Ba8
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) September 7, 2025
The Springbok Women next face New Zealand at Sandy Park in Exeter in the World Cup quarter finals.
Photo: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images
