A giant has awoken for women in SA rugby, says De Bruin

SPRINGBOK Women coach Swys de Bruin believes “a giant has awoken for women in South African rugby” after his team’s inspired performances at the Rugby World Cup in England.

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

‘Although the Boks ultimately went down to the mighty Black Ferns in their quarterfinal on Saturday at Sandy Park in Exeter, De Bruin's charges were monumental during the competition.

Glass ceilings were shattered over the last month, including winning a first-ever match at the Rugby World Cup against Brazil (66-6) before following it up with a victory over higher-ranked Italy (29-24) to book a maiden place in the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals.

And if that wasn't enough, they surprised friend and foe with a Herculean first-half display against the four-times champions by holding the New Zealanders to 10-10 at halftime.

Although though the Black Ferns unleashed a two-try blitz after the halftime break, the Boks showed their grit and determination to come back again and score three tries in the match - the only team to do so against the Kiwis in the competition.