Shortly after the hour mark in Brazil’s second-round match against France in Exeter, Bianca Silva received the ball down the left.
France’s frugal defence up until that point hadn’t been breached, but Silva ran an arcing line before brilliantly feigning a pass to Yasmim Soares. The speedster then burst through a gap in the French line to race clear and score her country’s first ever try in Rugby World Cup history.
She was duly mobbed by her team-mates who swarmed around her cheering and celebrating, including replacement back Carolyne Pereira.
“To start with, even I fell for Bianca Silva’s dummy pass,” Pereira says with a laugh.
“I don’t even know how to put it into words, but my ear-to-ear smile said it all. Seeing her live, up close, placing the ball down for the try, that moment will never leave my memory!
“I always remember the exact moment she scored, the whole stadium erupting as if it were the winning try.”
Brazil have been firm fan favourites of the neutrals at Rugby World Cup 2025, something Pereira says has made for a special experience throughout the tournament.
“I feel like no matter the result of the games, everyone is cheering for us,” she said.
“Everyone celebrates and treats us like celebrities. I believe they recognise the hard work we’ve put in to be here, and they know the beautiful story we’re building.”
Pereira’s own story originated in Manaus, the capital of Brazil’s Amazonas state, where she grew up and first discovered rugby. After falling in love with the game and hoping to take her career to the very top, she vowed to always remember her roots.
“Being Manauara means having the mix of traditions in your blood, and the energy of the Amazon rainforest,” she says.
“My cultural heritage is a reflection of my roots. I carry with me the traditions passed down from my mother - from the way we celebrate special moments to the flavours and music that marked my childhood.
“I grew up listening to stories that showed me where we came from, and I learned values that have always guided me: respect, strength, and hope in the face of challenges.”
Strength is a big part of it for the 22-year-old as well as her team-mates. The nickname of the Brazil team is the Yaras, a nod to a legendary figure of Brazil folklore.
“In the northern region of Brazil, we have the legend of Yara, a warrior who stood out among her brothers,” Pereira says.
“In the end, she becomes the guardian of the waters and a symbol of feminine strength.
“Being a Yara means being a strong, warrior woman who inspires other women.”
It's not only their name that is a nod to their culture. Before each game at Rugby World Cup 2025 they have been gifting their opponents a upepê, a traditional indigenous weapon which acts as a symbol of strength and courage as well as of protection.
“Just as upepê was used by warriors to defend their people, today each Yara steps onto the field to fight for the collective and the pride of being part of the team,” Pereira says.
“I love being Brazilian for our unique way of life, with the ability to turn life into a celebration. To fight with joy and never lose hope!”
Pereira won't have another chance to play at this Rugby World Cup as she has not been selected for Brazil's last match against Italy on Sunday, but it hasn't dampened her enjoyment of the past few weeks.
"Being at the World Cup isn’t just the fulfilment of my dream, it’s the dream of hundreds of kids who started this journey with me," she says.
"And being here, making history and representing the North of Brazil, is deeply rewarding for me."
