In Johannesburg, New Zealand women’s team beat South Africa 52:20
New Zealand’s women’s rugby team, the Black Ferns, defeated South Africa’s Springbok Women 52:20 in Johannesburg. The match at FNB Stadium took place on September 5, 2026, and was the first game in which a full Black Ferns squad played on African soil, Daily Maverick reports.
At halftime, the New Zealanders led 24:10. They scored eight tries: Ayesha Leti-I’iga and Braxton Sorensen-McGee scored two each. Krysten Willicock, Maia Joseph, Amarante Sititi and Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu also scored one try each. Hannah King made one conversion, while Sorensen-McGee made five.
South Africa’s advantage in the scrums
South Africa’s players crossed the opponents’ try line four times: Lindelwa Gwala, Aphiwe Ngwevu and Vaina Ubisi, who scored twice, got on the scoresheet. Three of South Africa’s four tries came after lineouts that ended with rolling mauls.
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South Africa dominated the scrums. According to the publication, the New Zealanders conceded more than seven penalties in this aspect, including four in the first half. At the same time, the Black Ferns used their speed in wing play and counterattacks.
Sititi scores her second try for the Black Ferns
Amarante Sititi came on as a substitute and scored her second try for the Black Ferns in only her second match for the team. She is the daughter of former Samoa captain Semo Sititi and the younger sister of All Blacks player Wallace Sititi.
In the second half, the Black Ferns scored four tries and Springbok Women scored two. Daily Maverick also noted the performances of winger Alichia Arries, captain Babalwa Latsha and substitute Logan Welman.
