Overview
- New Zealand face South Africa in a Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final at Sandy Park in Exeter on Saturday at 1200 GMT, marking the Springbok Women’s first appearance in the last eight.
- The Black Ferns recalled No. 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker from injury to start and named Amy du Plessis on the bench, with Maia Joseph at halfback, and captain Ruahei Demant stressing the knockout, no-second-chances mindset.
- Springbok Women coach Swys de Bruin named a 7-1 forwards-to-backs bench to sustain pack pressure, saying he rested front-liners against France to unleash two fresh packs against New Zealand.
- In Sydney, the Wallabies’ sold-out rematch with Argentina will feature Tane Edmed’s first Test start at fly-half in place of injured Tom Lynagh, following Australia’s 28-24 comeback win in Townsville and with rankings and Rugby Championship stakes in play.
- Australia’s Davis Cup team hosts Belgium at a sold-out Ken Rosewall Arena, with captain Lleyton Hewitt highlighting team culture and Alex de Minaur’s playing leadership on their first home tie since 2022.