The scoreline looks comprehensive – a 29-point victory for New Zealand and an 18th consecutive World Cup victory – but the Black Ferns required a ruthless 14 minutes after half-time against South Africa to avoid what would have been the upset of the sporting year so far.

The Black Ferns, have booked their place in the semi-finals after a strong second-half performance secured a 46-17 win over South Africa at Sandy Park.

South Africa will compete in the 24th edition of the FIFA U20 World Cup, set to take place in Chile from September 27 to October 19, 2025. The young Bafana Bafana are gearing up for their fifth appearance in the tournament’s history.

Cape Verde’s shock win over Cameroon in the FIFA World Cup 2025 CAF Qualifiers secured top position in Group D with five consecutive wins

Nigeria claimed a 1-1 draw away to South Africa but it is unlikely to be enough to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

England were outpowered by South Africa in a rain-reduced, faintly farcical opening T20 that Harry Brook described as “a bit of a shambles of a night”.