The Brazil players will make history when they take the field against South Africa at Franklin’s Gardens, as they become the first Brazil team in history to take part in a Rugby World Cup.
Up against them first time out are South Africa, who have won the last two men’s Rugby World Cups, and will be hoping Nolusindiso Booi and her charges can help make the country double world champions with their first ever title.
Kick-off: 14:45 BST, Sunday, 24 August
Venue: Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
From where to go before kick-off, to must-visit local attractions, check out Phil Dowson’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Guide to Northampton.
How to watch: Grab some of the few remaining tickets here.
Or check out our global guide to the TV options in your region.
South Africa team
South Africa key player: The aforementioned Booi is South Africa’s most capped women’s rugby player of all time, having won hear 50th cap for her country earlier this year. She is a colossus for her side in the second row, dominating the set piece as well as making a nuisance of herself in the loose. Like all South African forwards, she prides herself on her workrate.
Brazil team
Brazil key player: Raquel Kochhann (pictured) is, to put it plainly, royalty in the circles of Brazilian rugby. She has recovered from cancer to appear at this Rugby World Cup, but aside from her mental fortitude, she’s also an incredible playmaker in the number 10 jersey; spearheading her side’s attack with a precise boot and all-court running as a sevens convert.
What they said
Head coach Swys de Bruin:
“Targets? Yes. To make quarters then see what happens. Performance, I would really like to see the players grow under pressure individually, which they have shown the last couple of games. They work so hard, so it’s nice to see each player get better in their position. The nine gives a better box kick, the 13 gives a better pass or the front row gives a better hit [at the scrum]. I really like to see that improvement at a big show like this.
“I think of the picture of the Christmas tree and the bicycle is wrapped under the tree. You can’t ride it yet but you walk past and you can see it, feel it, sense it. We need to unwrap that present properly on Sunday.”
Captain Nolusindiso Booi
“First of all, our team is in a good space. Excited, yes, but nervous for sure because this will be our first pool game. We can’t wait for the challenge.”
Brazil head coach Emiliano Caffera:
“I am very proud, extremely proud. I am very happy because it’s not only the first World Cup for me, it also is for the group. So, I feel very proud for that too. It’s our first World Cup match, so we are expecting a lot of intensity and emotion.
“We don’t have a lot of 15s rugby in Brazil, that was really really tough for us. The preparation for this World Cup was to play a lot of games.”
Brazil captain Eshyllen Coimbra:
“We must be close and connected and enjoy this moment. This is the big opportunity and a dream for us that started a long time ago and we’re living it today, 20 years later.
“I feel very honoured and very happy for having this opportunity. It’s a very special moment, not only for me, but for the whole group.”