South Africa beat Brazil 66–6 in dominant World Cup opener

South Africa made a powerful statement in their Pool D opener at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 by dismantling Brazil 66–6 in a ten-try blitz at Kings Park.

The Springbok Women outclassed the debutant Brazilians in all departments, led by a hat-trick from powerhouse No.8 Aseza Hele and a brace from winger Ayanda Malinga.

The onslaught began early, with Nadine Roos crossing in the 2nd minute and Byrhandré Dolf converting to put South Africa ahead 7–0.

Aseza Hele powered over in the 8th minute, although Dolf missed the conversion. Brazil had a moment to celebrate when Raquel Kochhann slotted a penalty in the 10th minute, marking Brazil’s first-ever points at a Rugby World Cup.

Hele struck again in the 30th minute, this time converted by Dolf to stretch the lead to 19-3. Just before halftime, Malinga dashed through Brazil's defence to score, with Dolf converting to make it 26–3 at the break.

The second half saw no let-up. Hele completed her hat-trick in the 45th minute, followed quickly by two tries from Libbie Janse van Rensburg in the 48th and 52nd minutes, both successfully converted taking their tally to 47. Brazil managed another penalty from Kochhann in the 56th, taking their tally to six.

Aphiwe Ngwevu added her name to the scoresheet in the 61st, but the conversion was off target. In the 74th minute, Malinga grabbed her second try of the match, and Dolf's reliable boot extended the score to 59–6.

The final blow came in the 79th minute when Lerato Makua crashed over from a maul, and Dolf capped her day with an eighth successful conversion.