Black Ferns Storm Into Semifinals With Second-Half Blitz Against South Africa
Auckland, September 14, 2025 – The Black Ferns have powered their way into the semifinals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, defeating South Africa 46–17 in a commanding performance that saw New Zealand seize control after a tense first half.
At halftime, the scores were locked at 10–10, with South Africa showing grit and defensive discipline to frustrate the hosts. But the second spell belonged to the Black Ferns, who came out firing with pace, precision, and clinical finishing to run in three quick tries and swing the match firmly in their favour.
By fulltime, New Zealand had crossed the line eight times, showcasing their trademark attacking flair and depth of talent across the field.
Standout Performers
Braxton Sorensen-McGee and Kaipo Olsen-Baker led the charge, each scoring two tries, while the forward pack laid the platform with powerful carries and set-piece dominance. The backline, sparked by swift ball movement, capitalised on gaps as South Africa’s defensive line began to tire under relentless pressure.
Turning Point
The game’s momentum shifted just minutes into the second half, when Sorensen-McGee’s blistering break set up New Zealand’s third try. From that point, the Black Ferns never looked back, overwhelming the Springbok Women with wave after wave of attack.
Road Ahead
The win secures the Black Ferns a place in the semifinals, where they will face one of the remaining top contenders as they continue their bid to defend their World Cup crown.
Coach Allan Bunting praised the resilience of his squad, particularly their composure after a challenging first 40 minutes.
“South Africa pushed us hard early, but our players showed patience and belief. Once we settled into our rhythm, we were able to play our game and the results came,” Bunting said.
With their attacking confidence restored and key players hitting form at the right time, the Black Ferns now look poised for another deep run in the tournament.
