South Africa’s Springbok Women Gear Up for World Rankings Push After Strong 2024 Campaign

Johannesburg, South Africa — The South African women’s rugby team, known as the Springboks, are poised to climb the World Rugby rankings after a standout 2024 season that included a historic home series victory and a series of dominant performances against top-tier rivals. With a focused pre-World Cup preparation phase underway, the squad—led by captain Sinethemba Sithole—aims to break into the top five globally, a ranking last achieved in 2017. Analysts and coaches say the team’s tactical evolution, depth in the scrum, and aggressive backline play could see them challenge for a spot in the 2025 Rugby World Cup final pool.

World Rugby’s latest rankings, released in October 2024, placed the Springboks at seventh in the world, just one position above their ranking in 2023. But a series of results—including a 25-17 win over Scotland in June and a 30-15 triumph over England in August—have reignited hopes of a rapid ascent. “This isn’t just about points on paper,” says World Rugby’s head of women’s rugby, Claire McIlroy. “It’s about consistency, mental resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure. The Springboks have shown they can do that.”

What follows is a breakdown of how the team reached this inflection point, the challenges ahead, and why their progress could redefine South African women’s rugby for years to come.

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### How the Springboks Reached This Turning Point

#### A Season of Firsts: Breaking Barriers in 2024
The Springboks’ rise in 2024 was built on three key milestones:

1. The Home Series Dominance
In April, the team hosted England and Scotland for the first time in a decade, winning both matches at the Cape Town Stadium. The 20-15 victory over England—South Africa’s first over the opposition since 2014—was particularly symbolic. “Playing in front of a sold-out crowd in Cape Town was electric,” recalled wing Bongiwe Msomi, who scored a try in the match. “The noise, the support—it gave us a real edge.”

2. Tactical Overhaul Under New Coach
The appointment of former Wallabies assistant coach Lisa McGrath in early 2024 marked a shift toward a more structured, possession-based game. McGrath, who joined after the team’s disappointing 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign, introduced a system where the Springboks now average 60% possession in matches—a figure that has climbed from 45% in 2023. “We’re not just relying on individual brilliance anymore,” McGrath told reporters. “We’re building a team that can control games from the first whistle.”

3. Rising Stars in the Backline
Players like scrum-half Tebogo Leshilo (22) and center Zanele Mxoli (25) have emerged as key creators, with Leshilo averaging 120 meters of gain per game in 2024—a 40% increase from last season. “These young players understand the game at a level we haven’t seen before,” said Springboks director of rugby Bryce Hayward. “Their ability to read defenses under fatigue is what separates them.”

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### Who’s Leading the Charge? Key Players and Their Impact

While the forwards—particularly Sithole and prop Lerato Mchunu—have been the backbone of the team’s physical dominance, the backline’s creativity has been the x-factor. “In 2023, we were reactive,” said McGrath. “Now, we’re dictating the tempo.”

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### When and Where: The Road to the Next Rankings Update

The next World Rugby rankings update is scheduled for December 15, 2024, following the team’s final fixtures of the year. Key matches leading up to this include:

– November 2: Springboks vs. Canada (Port Elizabeth) – A potential ranking decider.
– November 9: Springboks vs. France (Durban) – France currently sits at fifth in the world.
– November 16: Springboks vs. Wales (Johannesburg) – Wales is eighth and could be a stepping stone to a top-five push.

“If we win two of these three, we’ll be in the conversation for top five,” said Hayward. “But it’s not just about wins—it’s about how we perform against these teams.”

Historically, South African women’s rugby has struggled in the rankings due to limited international exposure. However, the 2024 season saw the team play 12 matches—double the number from 2023—giving them more data points to climb the ladder. “Rankings are based on a rolling 24-month window,” explained World Rugby’s McIlroy. “Consistency over time is what moves teams up.”

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### Why This Matters: The Broader Impact on South African Rugby

#### A Model for Development
The Springboks’ progress comes at a critical time for women’s rugby in South Africa. The sport has seen a 300% increase in female participation since 2020, according to Rugby Africa’s 2024 report. The team’s success is directly tied to grassroots initiatives like the Springbok Sevens program, which has identified and developed over 500 young players since 2022.

“This isn’t just about the elite team,” said Springbok Women’s academy director Thandiwe Mthembu. “It’s about showing girls across the country that rugby is a viable path—whether they want to play professionally or just for fun.”

#### Commercial and Sponsorship Growth
The team’s improved standing has also attracted sponsors. In 2024, the Springboks signed a three-year deal with MTN Group, valued at over $1.2 million, to support player development and commercial initiatives. “Sponsors are now looking at women’s rugby as a growth market,” said MTN’s sports marketing head Lerato Mokoena. “The Springboks’ rise in the rankings makes them a more attractive partner.”

#### The Road to the 2025 World Cup
With the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England just 18 months away, the Springboks’ ranking push is not just about points—it’s about qualification. The top 12 teams automatically qualify, but the final pool spots are fiercely contested. “We’re not just playing for ranking points,” said McGrath. “We’re playing to secure our place in the final pool. That’s the ultimate goal.”

For context, the Springboks last qualified for the World Cup in 2017, where they finished seventh. A top-five ranking in 2025 would not only secure their spot but also position them as dark horses for a semifinal berth—a feat no African team has achieved.

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### Challenges Ahead: What Could Derail the Push?

Despite the optimism, obstacles remain:

1. Injury Risks
The squad has already lost three key players to long-term injuries in 2024, including lock Noxolo Dlamini, who is sidelined until early 2025. “Depth is our biggest concern,” admitted Hayward. “We’re managing a fine line between selection and player welfare.”

2. Tougher Fixtures in 2025
The Springboks’ calendar in 2025 includes matches against New Zealand, Australia, and Ireland—teams ranked first, second, and fourth, respectively. “Those games will be brutal,” said former Springbok Bianca Faning, a two-time World Cup winner. “But they’re also where we’ll prove we belong at the top.”

3. Maintaining Momentum
The team’s 2024 success was fueled by a high-intensity training block in New Zealand. Without that structure, some analysts worry the squad could plateau. “Rugby is a game of peaks and troughs,” noted McIlroy. “The question is whether they can sustain this form over 12 months.”

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### Reactions: Coaches, Players, and Fans Weigh In

On the sidelines, the buzz is palpable. “I’ve never seen a Springbok team with this much belief,” said former Wallaby Rachael Kerr, now a pundit for Rugby World. “They’re not just playing to win—they’re playing to change the narrative about African rugby.”

Among the players, the sentiment is one of cautious excitement. “We’re not taking anything for granted,” said Msomi. “Every time we step on the field, we know we’re one bad day away from slipping back. But right now? We’re ready.”

Fans, too, are rallying behind the team. The #BoksTopFive hashtag has trended in South Africa, with over 50,000 tweets since August. “This is bigger than rugby,” said rugby blogger Lerato Mokoena. “It’s about proving that Africa can compete at the highest level.”

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### What’s Next? Key Matches and Milestones to Watch

While the December rankings update will be the next major milestone, the real test begins in 2025:

– February 2025: Springboks vs. New Zealand (Auckland) – A potential ranking showdown.
– April 2025: Springboks vs. Australia (Sydney) – If they win, they’ll be in the top three.
– June 2025: Rugby World Cup qualification window opens – Teams ranked 13th-24th must qualify through playoffs.

For now, the focus remains on the next three matches. “Every game is a chance to move up,” said McGrath. “But we’re not just playing for points. We’re playing for the future of women’s rugby in South Africa.”

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### Frequently Asked Questions About the Springboks’ Ranking Push

How often are World Rugby rankings updated?

World Rugby releases updated rankings every two months, based on a rolling 24-month window of results. The next update is December 15, 2024.

What ranking would secure the Springboks a spot in the 2025 World Cup final pool?

The top 12 teams automatically qualify. Currently, the Springboks are seventh, so a push into the top five by December 2024 would significantly improve their chances of securing a final pool spot.

Who are the Springboks’ biggest rivals in the rankings race?

Their main competitors for top-five positions are France (5th), Wales (8th), and Scotland (6th). Beating any of these teams would accelerate their climb.

How has the Springboks’ scrum improved in 2024?

The team’s scrum time has increased by 30% since 2023, thanks to a new binding technique introduced by McGrath. They now rank third globally in scrum dominance, according to World Rugby’s performance analytics.

What’s the biggest challenge facing the Springboks in 2025?

Injury risk and maintaining form without their high-intensity training block. The squad has already lost three key players to long-term injuries in 2024, and depth remains a concern.

How can fans support the Springboks’ ranking push?

Attending matches, using social media to amplify their campaign (#BoksTopFive), and engaging with local rugby clubs to grow the sport are key ways to show support. The team’s commercial partners, including MTN Group, have also encouraged fan involvement in sponsorship drives.