RSA 66-6 BRA: South Africa come to the party against determined debutants

NORTHAMPTON - South Africa had too much for Brazil in Pool D but the Rugby World Cup debutants more than contributed to a party atmosphere at Franklin's Gardens on Sunday.

24 Aug 2025 Read time: 2 min

NORTHAMPTON - South Africa had too much for Brazil in Pool D, winning 66-6, but the Rugby World Cup debutants more than contributed to a party atmosphere at Franklin's Gardens on Sunday.

Story of the match

Scrum-half Nadine Roos set the tone for South Africa, scoring under the posts early in the game after a smart turn of pace. And her team continued to dominate territory and possession, adding three more more tries before the break.

But the biggest cheer of the first half came in the 10th minute, when Raquel Kochhann scored a penalty kick from in front of the posts to give Brazil their first points in Rugby World Cup history.

Brazil are off the mark 🇧🇷

Raquel Kochhann strikes the first EVER @brasilrugby points at the Rugby World Cup #RSAvBRA | #RWC2025 pic.twitter.com/BboZ0Mqh63
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) August 24, 2025

They continued to defend admirably, making 168 tackles, winning six turnovers and only conceding seven penalties despite defending for most of the game.

Powerful number eight Aseza Hele (pictured) completed her hat-trick early in the second half as South Africa finished the game with ten tries as both sets of fans continue to sing, dance and cheer.

Mastercard Player of the Match

Hard-running inside centre Aphiwe Ngwevu was the glue that held South Africa together and capped a fine display with a second-half try.

“I’m very, very happy because we’ve come very far and worked very hard to be here," she said. "I am very happy for all my teammates and everyone back home.

“It was not easy, Brazil never stopped, they kept coming, but we stopped them.”

At the centre of a sensational showing 🇿🇦

Congratulations to @WomenBoks' Aphiwe Ngwevu on being the @Mastercard #POTM at Franklin's Gardens.#RWC2025 | #RSAvBRA | #Priceless pic.twitter.com/r3kApYb675
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) August 24, 2025

Coach insight

South Africa head coach Swys de Bruin was emotional in victory.

“I know where these girls come from, I know their stories, they deserve this," he said. "It shows South Africa what they can do. I feel blessed. For a year with this group, you realise they played way above. It was fantastic to see, they made us proud.

“The bomb squad [making all eight substitutions on 50 minutes] worked. We learned from Rassie [Erasmus, South Africa head coach] and his men. At one stage I thought the bomb exploded but thanks to those brilliant supporters [it worked]. We’ve got to enjoy tonight and tomorrow then focus on the next game.

Brazil head coach Emiliano Caffera was proud of his team after they had just 29% possession and 25% territory.

“It’s difficult to be always defending," he said. "They start getting tired. They were always running but it’s difficult, they didn’t have a lot of the ball.

“They know the level now and I think we will have a better game [improve].”

Stat of the Day

16 - the number of tackles Eshyllen Coimbra (BRA) made in the first half alone. And she didn't miss a single one.

Next steps

On Sunday, 31 August, South Africa play an Italy team who will be smarting from their defeat to France, who play Brazil.