Black Ferns Player Ratings from Dominant win over Springbok Women in Johannesburg

Monday, 07 September 2026 at 07:36

byChelsea Jenna Ross

Match Report By Lwandisa Madlakane

The Springbok Women were beaten 52-20 by New Zealand at FNB Stadium on Saturday, but there were encouraging moments in a performance that showed both the strengths and weaknesses of the South African side.

New Zealand started strongly and put the hosts under early pressure, but South Africa refused to allow the match to become one-sided. Lindelwa Gwala opened the scoring for the Springboks after South Africa built pressure close to the New Zealand line.

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The home side continued to compete through their forwards, with their scrum providing one of the strongest parts of their game. South Africa also found opportunities in attack, with Aphiwe Ngwevu producing an impressive finish after a quick decision from Unam Tose helped create the opening.

The Black Ferns, however, were able to turn pressure into points and went into the interval with a 24-10 advantage.

South Africa responded after the break when Vainah Ubisi powered over for her first try. The Springboks continued to look dangerous when they were able to secure possession and play with momentum. New Zealand eventually created too much pressure for the hosts to contain, adding further tries as the second half progressed. Ubisi gave South Africa another late moment to celebrate by scoring her second try.

Although the final score was difficult for South Africa, the Springboks showed enough attacking and set-piece quality to suggest there are positives to take from the Test.

SCORERS:

SPRINGBOKS WOMEN: 20

Tries: 4 (Lindelwa Gwala 14’, Apiwe Ngwevu 31’, Vainah Ubisi 49’, 80+2’

Conversions: 0

Drop Goals: 0

Yellow Cards: 0

Red Cards: 0

New Zealand: 52

Tries: 8 (Elinor-Plum King 2’, 57’ Braxton Sorensen-McGee 10’ Chryss Viliko 37’ Braxton Sorensen-McGee 40+2’ Maia Joseph 51’ Amarante Sititi 73’ Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu 75')

Conversions: 6 (Hannah King 11’ Braxton Sorensen-McGee 38’, 52’, 57’, 74’, 76’)

Drop Goals: 0

Yellow Cards: 4 (Mererangi Paul 28’, Georgia Ponsonby, 48’ Ayesha Leti-I’iga, 49’ Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu 80+2’)

Red Cards: 0

Black Ferns Player Ratings

By Chelsea Jenna Ross

1. Chryss Viliko – 7/10

Generally solid at scrum time, although she came under pressure on occasion against the Springbok pack.

2. Georgia Ponsonby – co-captain – 7/10

Reliable in defence and accurate with her lineout throws throughout the match.

3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu – 6/10

Found it difficult at scrum time and was put under pressure by the Springboks at the set-piece.

4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos – 7/10

A composed performance at scrum time, helping provide a strong platform at the set-piece.

5. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu – 6/10

Put in a committed defensive shift and made some good turnovers, but an error and a high tackle proved costly.

6. Mia Anderson – 8/10

A powerful and physical performance, with strong work at scrum time throughout the match.

7. Elinor-Plum King – 9/10

Outstanding from start to finish. Her kicking was effective, while her pace and ability to break quickly made her a constant threat. A deserved Player of the Match.

8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u – 4/10

A difficult outing, with repeated offside infringements and two errors that contributed to further pressure. A high tackle and involvement in a collapsed scrum added to a disappointing performance.

9. Maia Joseph – 6/10

Distributed the ball well and defended effectively, although she struggled to make an impact at scrum time.

10. Hannah King – 7/10

Assured under the high ball, handling the aerial contest well throughout the match.

11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga – 7/10

Chased the ball strongly and defended well, while several powerful carries added physicality to the attack. However, she was involved in a collapsed scrum.

12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt – 7/10

Defended strongly and produced several important tackles, including a big hit in the 62nd minute.

13. Amy Du Plessis – 7/10

Made an important turnover in the 50th minute and contributed effectively at the breakdown.

14. Mererangi Paul – 7/10

Defended resolutely, helping shut down several Springbok attacks and making a number of important tackles.

15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee – 8/10

A dangerous attacking presence thanks to her speed and ability to break the line. Also made two tackles, added a conversion and remained physical and committed in defence.

REPLACEMENTS

16. Atlanta Lolohea – 6.5/10

Made an immediate impact after coming on in the 57th minute, including a crucial tackle in the 61st. Also contributed with a good lineout and solid work at scrum time.

17. Maddison Robinson – 6.5/10

Made a physical impact after coming on in the 50th minute and contributed well at scrum time.

18. Santo Taumata – 6.5/10

Made a positive contribution after coming on in the 61st minute, working effectively at scrum time and in defence before producing a crucial tackle in the 80th minute.

19. Laura Bayfield – 6/10

Provided good ball distribution after coming on in the 67th minute.

20. Amarante Sititi – 6.5/10

Made an immediate impact after coming on in the 67th minute, scoring a try almost immediately. Her physicality and work under the high ball made her an influential presence in the second half.

21. Tara Turner – 6/10

Made a steady contribution after coming on in the 57th minute.

22. Ruahei Demant – co-captain – 5/10

Made a positive defensive contribution after coming on in the 71st minute.

23. Justine McGregor – 6.5/10

Made an impact after coming on in the 61st minute, showing strength and pace and carrying the ball effectively.

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JasonMarlow16-09-2026
Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.