De Bruin had been in the role since 2024, and the Springbok Women’s programme had made some good strides forward under his charge.
In last year’s World Cup quarter-final, the South Africans held the Black Ferns to a 10-all halftime score before the Kiwis showed their class in the second half. It was the first time South Africa had qualified for the knockout stages of a Women’s World Cup.
Coming into this weekend’s test, which will be played before the All Blacks take on the Springboks at the same venue, Black Ferns head coach Whitney Hansen said they had spoken about what the South Africans threw at them the last time they met.
“They came out and showed exactly what they can do in the first half, and that’s our job to stop that from happening again.
“We can’t afford to give them the possession that they had in that game, we can’t afford to be on the back foot because they’re so powerful with ball in hand. It’s definitely factored into the week with how we want to play and how we’ve trained.”
Black Ferns v Springboks Women
Saturday, September 5. 11.30pm kickoff (NZT).
Black Ferns: 1. Chryss Viliko, 2. Georgia Ponsonby (cc), 3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 5. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, 6. Mia Anderson, 7. Elinor-Plum King, 8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 9. Maia Joseph, 10. Hannah King, 11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga, 12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt, 13. Amy Du Plessis, 14. Mererangi Paul, 15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee.
Bench: 16. Atlanta Lolohea, 17. Maddison Robinson, 18. Santo Taumata, 19. Laura Bayfield, 20. Amarante Sititi, 21. Tara Turner, 22. Ruahei Demant (cc), 23. Justine McGregor.
Unavailable: Kaipo Olsen-Baker (shoulder).
Springboks Women: 1. Sanelisiwe Charlie, 2. Lindelwa Gwala, 3. Babalwa Latsha (c), 4. Vainah Ubisi, 5. Danelle Lochner, 6. Sizo Solontsi, 7. Catha Jacobs, 8. Aseza Hele, 9. Unam Tose, 10. Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 11. Ayanda Malinga, 12. Aphiwe Ngwevu, 13. Zintle Mpupha, 14. Alichia Arpies, 15. Byrhandre Dolf.
Bench: 16. Anuschka Groenewald, 17. Yonela Ngxingolo, 18. Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19. Nomsa Mokwai, 20. Logan Welman, 21. Shiniqwa Lamprecht, 22. Anacadia Minnaar, 23. Maceala Samboya.
Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.