Byrhandré Dolf spearheads Bok Women to record-breaking Rugby World Cup

The Springbok Women are celebrating a landmark achievement at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, completing their campaign with unprecedented success and rising to a historic 10th place in the World Rugby rankings.

At the heart of this breakthrough stands utility back Byrhandré Dolf, who not only finished as South Africa’s top points scorer but also etched her name into the record books.

Dolf kicked a superb 27 points, leading the Boks’ charge to their first-ever World Cup quarter-final. Along the way, the team secured two defining victories: their maiden win over Italy and their biggest triumph to date, a 66-6 demolition of Brazil in the opening round.

The scoring spree of the utility back carried extra weight in history. She eclipsed Zandile Nojoko’s long-standing record of 26 World Cup points, a mark Nojoko achieved across 15 matches and three tournaments. Dolf passed it in just four games, underlining her outstanding form.

Her versatility as a fullback and wing was evident, as she led the team’s running metres gained with 293 — just edging fellow utility back Nadine Roos, who finished on 290.

Dolf revealed the decision-making process behind her success as a kicker.

“Before our match against Brazil, coach Swys suggested that the three kickers – myself, Libbie (Janse van Rensburg), and Jakkie (Cilliers) – have a kick-out to decide who was striking the ball best. The call came my way, and thankfully I was able to deliver throughout the tournament.”

But Dolf wasn’t the only star.

Powerful No 8 Aseza Hele wrote her own piece of history, becoming the first South African woman to score a World Cup hat-trick with three tries against Brazil, before adding another against Italy. Her four tries set a new national record for a single World Cup, surpassing Roos and winger Ayanda Malinga’s tallies of three apiece.

The Springbok Women’s overall campaign numbers reflect a team on the rise. They racked up 122 points — an all-time tournament high for South Africa, while conceding just 133, their best defensive showing yet. Only 21 tries were scored against them.

Their commitment to defence was epitomised by Sinazo Mcatshulwa, who topped the tackling charts with 28 hits, closely followed by Hele on 24.

For South African women’s rugby, this World Cup was more than just a campaign — it was a statement. A statement of progress, resilience, and the belief that the journey to future glory has only just begun.