Brazil competed on the biggest stage at the Women’s Rugby World Cup for the first time on Saturday. As Yaras were overwhelmed by South Africa in their debut appearance of the England hosted tournament. The Springboks Women were 66-6 winners.
Fly half Rachel Kochhann kicked two penalties for all of Brazil’s points. South Africa ran in ten tries and were rarely threatened by As Yaras. Brazil found the going tough as South Africa had 75% territory and 71% possession. Moreover, Brazil made 168 tackles compared to 55 by South Africa.
The match was the second game of Pool D. The opening match saw France overcoming Italy on Saturday with a 24-0 victory. All four will play their second match next Sunday. Italy face South Africa in York while Brazil take-on France in Exeter.
The early-goings in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup have been lopsided results. Examples include England opening the tournament with a 69-7 win over the USA, Australia downing Samoa 73-0, and Canada defeated Fiji 65-7.
- This was the first ever Women’s Rugby World Cup match to feature a South American participant.
- The match officially began international competition between Brazil and South Africa.
- South African N8 Aseza Hele scored a hat-trick.
BRAZIL (6)
PEN – R Kochhann 2 (10′, 57′)
SOUTH AFRICA (66)
TRY – N Roos (3′), A Hele 3 (30′, 43′, 8′), A Malinga 2 (41′, 75′), L Janse van Rensburg (48′, 52′), A Ngwevu (62′), L Makua (79′)
CON – B Dolf (3′, 31′, 42′, 44′, 49′, 53′, 76′, 80′)
BRAZIL
15 Bianca Silva, 14 Giovanna Barth Moreira, 13 Marina Fioravanti, 12 Mariana Nicolau, 11 Edna Santini, 10 Raquel Kochhann, 9 Aline Mayumi Bednarski, 8 Camilla Ísis Carvalho, 7 Larissa Carvalho, 6 Larissa Henwood, 5 Marcelle Cruz de Souza, 4 Eshyllen Coimbra (capt.), 3 Taís Prioste, 2 Julia Leni Lima, 1 Franciele Barros
Replacements: 16 Isabela Gomes Saccomanno, 17 Samara Vergara, 18 Giovana Mamede, 19 Dayana Dakar, 20 Letícia Silva, 21 Luiza González Campos, 22 Fernanda Tenório, 23 Isadora Lopes;
SOUTH AFRICA
15 Byrhandré Dolf, 14 Maceala Samboya, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 11 Ayanda Malinga, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Nadine Roos,8 Aseza Hele, 7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Danelle Lochner, 4 Nolusindiso Booi (capt.), 3 Babalwa Latsha (vice-capt.), 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie
Replacements: 16 Micke Gunter, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Vainah Ubisi, 20 Lerato Makua, 21 Catha Jacobs, 22 Unam Tose, 23 Jakkie Cilliers
Video: To Follow
Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
Assistant Referees: Holly Wood (England), Jess Ling (Australia)
Television Match Official: Ian Tempest (England)
FPRO: Rachel Horton (Australia)