Black Ferns Outclass Springbok Women After Swys De Bruin’s Abrupt Resignation

• The Springbok Women faced a major test at FNB Stadium as they looked to make their mark against the formidable Black Ferns
• New Zealand brought plenty of attacking firepower to Johannesburg, setting up an intriguing battle between two of the game’s biggest teams
• South Africa showed encouraging signs during the contest, but the Black Ferns had more than one way to cause problems in the match

The Springbok Women endured a difficult afternoon at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 5 September 2026, as the Black Ferns produced an 8-try display to secure a 52-20 victory, just a day after Swys de Bruin’s abrupt resignation as head coach.

Black Ferns punish early mistakes

SA Rugby Magazine reports that New Zealand established control early, with Elinor Plum-King and Braxton Sorensen-McGee crossing as the visitors opened a 12-0 lead. South Africa responded strongly through Lindelwa Gwala and Aphiwe Ngwevu, cutting the deficit to 12-10.

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However, the Black Ferns regained momentum before half-time. Chryss Viliko and Sorensen-McGee scored to give New Zealand a 24-10 advantage at the break.

Springbok Women show fight

Vainah Ubisi crossed shortly after half-time, but New Zealand quickly restored its authority.

Maia Joseph and Plum-King added further tries before Amarante Sititi and Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu pushed the score beyond 50.

Ubisi completed her brace late on, but South Africa could not close the gap.

The result came after De Bruin had stepped down, with Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September taking charge.

A historic test ends in defeat

The fixture was New Zealand’s first Test against the Springbok Women on South African soil. The teams had previously met at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, where the Black Ferns won 46-17.

South Africa’s 52-20 defeat therefore provides a significant benchmark as the programme continues its development.

Swys de Bruin breaks silence on Springbok Women resignation

Briefly News previously reported that Swys de Bruin had stepped down as Springbok Women head coach, with questions quickly emerging over the circumstances surrounding his departure.

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De Bruin rejected suggestions that a dispute over money had prompted his resignation. He added that he had submitted his resignation “a long time ago”.

Source: Briefly News