The Springbok Women took a positive step towards the Rugby World Cup despite going down 34-26 to New Zealand's Black Ferns XV, says coach Swys de Bruin.
Springbok Women assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt is hoping to spring some surprises against the Black Ferns XV at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday.
The rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand enters another chapter on Saturday when the Junior Springboks face the Baby Blacks in the final of the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship.
The match officials for the upcoming Rugby Championship have been announced, including the much-anticipated Eden Park clash between the All Blacks and Springboks.
South Africa continue to lead the World Rugby rankings, though New Zealand are narrowing the gap with only 1.06 points between the sides ahead of this weekend's fixtures.
Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote and captain Riley Norton praised their side's grit and defence after beating Argentina and sealing a World Rugby U20 Championship final clash with New Zealand.