Hele Hat-Trick powers Springbok women to World Cup opener victory

Image: SA Rugby Women (X)

by Lwandiso Simanga 

South Africa launched their Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 campaign in emphatic style with a 66-6 triumph over Brazil at Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton.

No. 8 Aseza Hele stole the show with a commanding hat-trick inside 50 minutes, combining pace and power to pierce Brazil’s resilient defence. The Springbok Women, guided by coach Swys de Bruin, ran in 10 tries overall, underlining their dominance from start to finish.

Ayanda Malinga and Libbie Janse van Rensburg each added two tries, while Nadine Roos, Aphiwe Ngwevu named Player of the Match and Lerato Makua also crossed the line. Fly-half Byrhandre Dolf contributed with conversions, ensuring South Africa maximised their opportunities.

Brazil, playing in their first-ever Rugby World Cup match, showed admirable spirit and registered over 130 tackles in the opening half. Raquel Kochhann slotted their only points through a penalty, but the South Americans struggled to withstand South Africa’s relentless attacking waves.

Image: SA Rugby Women (X)

The Springbok Women struck early, with Roos scoring inside three minutes, before Hele muscled her way over for the first of her three tries. By halftime, South Africa held a commanding 26-3 lead after Malinga’s score secured the bonus point.

Hele completed her hat-trick shortly after the restart, and Janse van Rensburg piled on further pressure with another try. With strong backing from travelling supporters, the Springbok Women soared to the top of Pool D.

They now head to York full of confidence to face Italy next, before concluding the pool stage against France.