Black Ferns Face South Africa in Thrilling Rugby World Cup Quarter-Final

The Rugby World Cup quarter-final between the Black Ferns and South Africa is set to take place in Exeter, with the Black Ferns entering the match as strong favourites. Having topped their group with an impressive tally of 24 tries across three matches, they aim to continue their dominant performance in this knockout stage. This marks South Africa’s first appearance in the quarter-finals, adding to the significance of the match.

In a disappointing turn of events for the Black Ferns, midfielder Amy du Plessis has been ruled out of the tournament due to a shoulder injury sustained during the opening game against Spain. Du Plessis suffered the injury when she landed awkwardly during a tackle close to the try line late in the first half. Although she managed to play until halftime, she was replaced after the break. Following her absence in the subsequent matches against Japan and Ireland, she was poised to return from the bench. However, the team confirmed her withdrawal early on the morning of the match, ending her World Cup campaign.

In her place, Katelyn Vahaakolo will step into the matchday squad, marking her second appearance in this World Cup. Du Plessis will remain with the team in England to rehabilitate her injury, and a replacement player is expected to join the squad if the Black Ferns advance to the semifinals.

Anticipation Builds for the Match

Tomorrow’s match will be the second encounter between the two teams, with the Black Ferns having previously achieved a significant victory over South Africa in 2010. The Springbok Women have shown improvement since then, splitting a two-match series against the Black Ferns XV prior to the World Cup. With a 7-1 bench split announced for the quarter-final, Black Ferns director of performance Allan Bunting shared insights on South Africa’s strategy.

“That’s their DNA, right? They want to go through us,” Bunting stated, acknowledging the speed and dynamism of the South African side. “They’ve got some speed out wide too, and they’ve got a halfback that likes to speed up things. We haven’t played them, but we’ve watched them quite closely.”

Bunting expressed confidence in his team’s preparation, noting, “It’s pretty obvious what they’re wanting to do this week, but we’ve got a plan on what we want to do too and we’re up for the challenge.”

Black Ferns’ Line-Up for the Clash

The Black Ferns have made strategic adjustments to their lineup in response to the absence of Du Plessis. The starting fifteen includes:

1. Chryss Viliko
2. Georgia Ponsonby
3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos
5. Alana Bremner
6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u
7. Jorja Miller
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker
9. Maia Joseph
10. Ruahei Demant (captain)
11. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
12. Theresa Setefano
13. Stacey Waaka
14. Braxton Sorensen-McGee
15. Renee Holmes

The bench will feature:

16. Atlanta Lolohea
17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu
18. Kate Henwood
19. Laura Bayfield
20. Kennedy Tukuafu (captain)
21. Iritana Hohaia
22. Katelyn Vahaakolo
23. Ayesha Leti-I’iga

As the Black Ferns gear up for this critical match, the team and fans alike are hopeful for a strong performance that will propel them into the semifinals of the Rugby World Cup. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, showcasing the determination and skill of both teams on an international stage.