The Springboks triumphed over Italy with a decisive 45-0 victory in Gqeberha on Saturday, securing a convincing series win. Fielding a changed lineup for their second Test, the South African team showcased their depth and skill, amassing a comprehensive lead within the first half of the match.
Edwill van der Merwe opened the scoring by breaking the Italian defensive line within the first ten minutes, setting the tone for the Springboks’ dominance. Following his quick assist to Grant Williams, who finished off in style, van der Merwe continued his formidable performance, crossing for a well-deserved try in the corner shortly thereafter.
The highlight of the half arrived when 100-cap Springbok Willie le Roux executed a clever grubber, allowing van der Merwe to secure his second try, further extending South Africa’s advantage. The Springboks’ impressive first-half performance was capped off by Canan Moodie, who powered through the Azzurri defence to add a fourth try, showcasing the attacking prowess that South African rugby is renowned for.
However, not all was smooth sailing for the reigning world champions, as Jasper Wiese received a red card for a headbutt, leaving the Springboks with concerns as they faced the subsequent second half with diminished numbers on the field.
The latter stages of the match proved to be more scrappy, yet the Springboks maintained control, even when reduced to just 13 players for a ten-minute stretch. Despite the challenges, the team successfully extended their lead with further tries from Malcolm Marx, Makazole Mapimpi, and Jan-Hendrik Wessels, solidifying a comfortable 45-0 victory.
This impressive win comes as the Springboks gear up for the 2025 Rugby World Championship, signalling both their readiness and a potential return to glory on the global stage. With depth in their squad and formidable performances like these, fans are hopeful this is just a glimpse of what lies ahead in the world of South African rugby.