The Black Ferns withstood the sheer physical strength of the Springbok Women to secure a 52-20 win at FNB Stadium in Soweto.
During the opening half, South Africa recaptured some of their Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 spark to remain only two points behind after the first twenty minutes.
Quick five-pointers from New Zealand’s Elinor-Plum King and Braxton Sorensen-McGee gave the visiting side a 12-point cushion. However, Lindelwa Gwala and Aphiwe Ngwevu responded with two tries for South Africa, mounting a fierce challenge in tight play.
At the interval, the Black Ferns held a 24-10 advantage, courtesy of scores from Chryss Viliko and a second for Sorensen-McGee.
Vainah Ubisi crossed the line for the home side early in the second half, occurring amidst sin-binnings for Georgia Ponsonby and Ayesha Leti-I’iga. Nevertheless, the momentum quickly shifted entirely to New Zealand, as the Black Ferns registered four additional tries before the final whistle.
It was not until injury time that Ubisi secured her second try of the match, offering a final consolation effort for the Springboks.
This is how the Black Ferns performed on the day at FNB Stadium…
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee – 8.5
Throughout the opening forty minutes at FNB Stadium, Braxton Sorensen-McGee recorded three carries and two clean line breaks. The reigning World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year also contributed two tries. Her opening score was a magnificent effort; capitalising on a weak clearance kick from Libbie Janse van Rensburg, the ball was shifted wide to Sorensen-McGee near the halfway line. The 19-year-old stepped through the Springbok defense, sold a dummy, and coasted over the try line untouched. Her second touchdown just prior to halftime established a 14-point gap between the sides. Although the teenager had a more subdued second period, her overall display remained highly polished.
14. Mererangi Paul – 6
It proved to be a relatively low-key outing for Mererangi Paul. The winger struggled to assert herself at FNB Stadium and was shown a yellow card during the first half for an intentional knock-on. Two handling errors at crucial intervals prevented Paul from getting her own name on the score sheet.
Match Summary 
13. Amy Du Plessis – 5.5
Amy du Plessis experienced a largely uneventful game. Facing her nation of birth, the center was seldom involved in either offensive or defensive play. This stood in stark contrast to her previous performance against the Wallaroos, where the 27-year-old played a pivotal role in helping New Zealand defend the Laurie O’Reilly Cup.
12. Sylvia Brunt – 7.5
Sylvia Brunt delivered an incredibly well-rounded display. Almost every choice the 22-year-old made worked out perfectly. From executing a thunderous tackle on Libbie Janse van Rensburg to her crisp passing, the Black Ferns’ offensive threat would have been far less potent without her. Her sole mistake of the day was being overpowered by Aphiwe Ngwevu in the buildup to the Springbok center’s try.
11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga – 6
Ayesha Leti-I’iga showed flashes of brilliance at FNB Stadium. The winger executed several line breaks that tested the South African defensive line, though she lacked the final clinical touch. A burst right before halftime, coupled with Maia Joseph’s quick decision-making, set up Chryss Viliko’s try. While her second-half yellow card did not cost her side heavily, it briefly left the visitors playing with only 13 players on the field.
10. Hannah King – 7
Given the starting nod at fly-half following several strong substitute appearances this season, Hannah King completed the full 80 minutes on Saturday and dictated the play beautifully. King executed her role flawlessly. It was an encouraging display that provides Whitney Hansen with more reliable options in the playmaker department.
9. Maia Joseph – 8
Partnering with the less experienced Hannah King, Maia Joseph acted as a stabilizing force at scrum-half, bringing valuable composure to the side. The 24-year-old maintained a rapid tempo, which directly set up Chryss Viliko’s try and culminated in her own score in the 50th minute. Joseph’s impact was perfectly highlighted by her assist that put Elinor-Plum King over the line for her second score.
1. Chryss Viliko – 6
The New Zealand props endured a demanding outing. South Africa have made no secret of their plans to adopt a heavily forward-dominated style going forward. By the 50th minute, the Black Ferns had secured just 25 percent of their five scrums, while the Springboks had cleanly won all six of theirs. During this period, Chryss Viliko gave away three penalties. Her standout contribution was a powerful short-range surge to score in the 36th minute.
2. Georgia Ponsonby – 6.5
Entrusted with co-captaincy responsibilities, Georgia Ponsonby led from the front in Soweto. The hooker accumulated an impressive tally of 15 tackles by the end of the match. However, the physical toll of the game eventually caught up with her. Shortly after referee Zoe Naude warned the co-captain about repeated team penalties, Ponsonby infringed at the side of a maul and was sent to the sin bin.
3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu – 6
Mirroring her front-row partner, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu faced severe pressure in the set-piece. However, the 21-year-old excelled defensively, making 10 tackles during her stint on the field. Even so, it fell short of her remarkable 21 tackles in 28 minutes recorded against this same opponent during the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos – 6.5
This was a characteristically reliable performance from Maiakawanakaulani Roos. The second-row remains one of the premier lineout targets globally and rarely yields an inch in defense. Before being substituted, Roos secured three lineouts and contributed 13 tackles.
5. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu – 6
Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu was predictably involved in the thick of the action. The lock completed 11 tackles to help New Zealand hold off the South African attack. The only real blemish on her performance was conceding four penalties—the final one occurring just before the end of the match, allowing Vainah Ubisi to score her second try after the siren. Nevertheless, the 23-year-old finished her day on a positive note by scoring a try.
6. Mia Anderson – 6
Mia Anderson delivered a highly dependable, though quiet, performance. The blindside flanker finished the match at FNB Stadium with 14 tackles and 11 carries. She also demonstrated her utility late in the game by shifting to No. 8 once Lina Mikaele-Tu’u was replaced.
7. Elinor-Plum King – 8.5
New Zealand appear to have discovered an exceptional talent in Elinor-Plum King. Following a standout Super Rugby Aupiki campaign, King crossed the line in just the second minute as the hosts struggled to settle. She remained highly active as the match progressed, securing a crucial turnover that set up Sorensen-McGee’s second try. King also demonstrated her ball-carrying threat to touch down for her own second score.
8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u – 7
It was a productive all-around shift from Liana Mikaele-Tu’u. Before her substitution, the eighthman made 14 tackles and registered seven carries. However, the 24-year-old struggled to discipline herself, joining Viliko and Mo’onia Vaipulu in turning possession over to South Africa on three occasions through penalties.
Replacements – 6.5
Above all, the New Zealand bench ensured the victory was sealed. With the South Africans tiring, the replacements increased the tempo and maintained forward momentum. The standout moment was Amarante Sititi’s 71st-minute score. The loose forward was denied an assist when Paul dropped the ball. Justine McGregor also made a strong impression off the bench, setting up Mo’onia Vaipulu’s try.
