Hele hat-trick helps South Africa beat debutants Brazil

Pool D of the Women’s Rugby World Cup

South Africa (26) 66

Cons: Dolf 8; Tries: Roos, Hele 3, Malinga 2, Janse van Rensburg 2, Ngwevu, Makua

Brazil (3) 6

“We are here to demonstrate that Brazil has more than just soccer.”

Raquel Kochhann, a flyhalf, did not realize her initial ambition to play football for her country, but she did get the chance to demonstrate her kicking prowess on the international stage.

On their Women’s Rugby World Cup debut, Brazil were 2-0 up against South Africa on penalties.

It was an awkward kick from a slight angle just outside the 22, but it was far from a gimme.

Both a penalty and Kochhann’s legendary strike sailed through the second half with ease.

Brazil’s only official scores of 66-6 were recorded by them as they suffered a significant opening defeat, but the players later stressed the significance of making the women’s world’s first South American team.

“We’re so excited to be playing Brazilian rugby here,” Kochhann said.

“I’m really confident that we are guiding young Brazilian girls and players toward a bright future by ensuring that our game is played at the highest level possible.”

Due to their sevens flair, Brazil’s World Cup debut was eagerly awaited, but it was their toughness and bravery that stood out.

The squad has had to work harder than most to reach the global stage because a large portion of them is from tough favelas.

Kochhann, who won her seventh XVs cap in Northampton, is a sevens expert and has attended three Olympic games, including one where she battled breast cancer.

Brazil, the 25th-ranked team at the tournament, had only ever played 16 XV-a-side rugby Tests before the competition. Their first victory over Portugal came in 2023.

The players continued to sing full of emotion even after Northampton’s performance of the Brazilian national anthem came to an end.

“We yelled out to everyone that we were prepared and warriors,” Kochhann continued.

“It is really important that there were plenty of Brazilians here and there supporting us there.” This energy is crucial to demonstrating that people care about us and are looking out for us.

I adore this energy because it proves rugby matters. I’m very interested to see how our team develops.

One of the 168 tackles her team made in the game was Bianca Silva’s excellent early try-saving tackle on Ayanda Malinga, which epitomized the warrior mindset.

Aseza Hele, the eighth-ranked Springbok, scored a hat-trick and was one of Brazil’s unstoppable players due to her brutality.

Even in defeat, the Brazil supporters kept the crowd oozing with cheer and fun throughout the game.

Nadia moved to England three years ago after moving from one of Brazil’s smallest states.

There was no way I couldn’t be here because I had to support the team, she said, “It’s not matter which region of Brazil you are from, and it’s huge, but it feels like one.”

Brazil’s success in qualifying for the World Cup has demonstrated how effective you are, according to the nation. This could result in more funding, more encouragement, and more gamers.

Fabiano, who was a number eight in his youth, traveled from Sao Paulo with his daughter Bella and son Fergus.

The women’s sevens team from Brazil qualified for the past three Olympics and placed ninth overall overall.

The sport has grown since the Rio Olympics, according to the statement. He told BBC Sport, “We liked how quick it was.”

“During training, I overheard the women’s team getting warmed up with samba and music. We enjoy it because it makes the game happy.

Brazil has the potential to “like” XVs because it’s a team game like football. “We enjoy ball!”

Next Saturday in Exeter, Brazil will face France, who defeated Italy in their opening game.

Les Bleues, who is fourth in the world, are a potential winner, and their competition will be much tougher.

Gunter, Ngxingolo, Ngxingolo, Mdliki, Ubisi, Makua, Jacobs, Tose, Cilliers as replacements.

Brazil’s top athletes: Silva, Barth, Fioravanti, Nicolau, Nicolau, Santini, Kochhann, Mayumi Bednarski, Barros, Leni Lima, Prioste, Coimbra, Souza, Henwood, Carvalho, Carvalho.

Holly Wood (England) and Jess Ling (Australia) serve as assistant referees.