Aseza Hele’s hat-trick and Aphiwe Ngwevu’s midfield muscle propelled the Springbok Women to a commanding win over Brazil in their Rugby World Cup opener at Franklin’s Gardens.
The Springbok Women announced themselves in emphatic fashion, running in ten tries to dispatch Brazil 66-6 in a lively Pool D clash in Northampton on Sunday.
ALSO: Bok Women ready for ‘all-guns blazing’ Brazil
Nadine Roos struck early, darting through under the posts to set the tone, before the Boks’ dominance in territory and possession told with three more tries before the interval. Yet the biggest cheer of the half came in the 10th minute, when Raquel Kochhann slotted a penalty to record Brazil’s first-ever Rugby World Cup points.
Brazil’s debutants won plenty of admirers, defending with heart to make 168 tackles and win six turnovers while conceding just seven penalties. But Hele’s power proved too much as she completed her hat-trick early in the second half.
South Africa’s tournament: underway ✅
Nadine Roos gets over in the opening minutes!#RWC2025 #RSAvBRA pic.twitter.com/B3LE5Flr7w
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) August 24, 2025
Player of the Match Ngwevu was at the heart of South Africa’s effort, carrying hard, linking play, and capping her display with a second-half try.
“I’m very, very happy because we’ve come very far and worked very hard to be here,” Ngwevu said.
“Brazil never stopped, they kept coming, but we stopped them.”
Coach Swys de Bruin praised his players’ commitment and the impact of his ‘bomb squad’ bench.
“I know where these girls come from, I know their stories, they deserve this,” he said.
“The bomb squad worked. We’ve got to enjoy tonight and tomorrow, then focus on the next game.”
Brazil coach Emiliano Caffera was equally proud despite his side’s limited possession.
“They know the level now and I think we will have a better game.”
Eshyllen Coimbra’s 16 first-half tackles without a miss epitomised the South Americans’ resolve, but it was South Africa who celebrated the perfect start to their campaign.
Next up for the Boks is a clash with Italy on 31 August.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
