South Africa sealed a series win over Italy with a 45-0 win over the Azzurri on Saturday.
The Springboks rang the changes for the second match but the starting 15 had a score within the opening 10 minutes as Edwill van der Merwe broke the line and Grant Williams finished the counter.
A few minutes later, van der Merwe crossed for a deserved try in the corner, before grabbing a second courtesy of a clever grubber from 100-cap Springbok Willie le Roux.
Canan Moodie sealed an almost perfect first half for the Boks with a powerful break to add a fourth try, with the only blemish a red card for Jasper Wiese for a headbutt.
The second half was a scrappier affair in Gqeberha, though the Springboks had done enough to win it and extended their lead despite being reduced to 13 men for 10 minutes, with Malcolm Marx, Makazole Mapimpi and Jan-Hendrik Wessels crossing to seal a comfortable win in the Boks last game before the 2025 Rugby World Championship.
Follow all of the latest reaction with our live blog below:
South Africa vs Italy live
- South Africa host Italy in Gqeberha | Live on Sky Sports with kick off at 4.10pm BST
- 80 TRY! Wessels spins and crosses for last-second try [RSA 45-0 ITA]
- 73' TRY! Mapimpi crosses after quick Springboks move [RSA 38-0 ITA]
- 52' TRY! Marx crashes over after maul [RSA 31-0 ITA]
- 38' TRY! Moodie crosses after clever pass from Williams [RSA 24-0 ITA]
- 32' TRY! Van der Merwe crosses over for second after clever Le Roux kick [RSA 17-0 ITA]
- 22' RED CARD! Jasper Wiese sent off for a headbutt [RSA 10-0 ITA]
- 16' TRY! Van der Merwe crosses for second score [RSA 10-0 ITA]
- 9' TRY! Williams finishes brilliant Springboks counter [RSA 5-0 ITA]
Italy captain reacts
18:40 , Chris WilsonItaly captain Niccolo Cannone says it was a tough day out there.
“It was a very tough game, we know the level of this team. I’m proud of my team, we had to improve a lot of things,” he says.
“I think it was too late, we have to put our game in the first half especially, but I’m proud.
“We love South Africa, this is a second home!” he adds as he finishes.
FULL-TIME! South Africa 45-0 Italy
18:32 , Chris Wilson
Jasper Wiese red card: Why was Springbok sent off in South Africa v Italy?
18:27 , Chris WilsonJasper Wiese was given a red card in South Africa vs Italy after the Springboks star was called up for foul play after being caught delivering a headbutt to an opponent.
The 29-year-old was punished for foul play in the 22nd minute against the Azzurri at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
Both sets of players clashed in the first half with tensions boiling over, in the middle of the group, Wiese could be seen forcing his head towards Italy loosehead Danilo Fischetti.
Jasper Wiese red card: Why was Springbok sent off in South Africa v Italy?
FULL-TIME! South Africa 45-0 Italy
18:15 , Chris WilsonThe referee brings the game to an end and it’s an emphatic win for the Springboks at the Nelson Mandela bay Stadium!
TRY! South Africa 45-0 Italy
18:14 , Chris Wilson80 mins
The buzzer goes as the line-out is taken.
South Africa win it and Wessels emerges with the ball. He drives towards the line and reaches to touch in, but it requires a TMO review.
It looks like he might’ve dropped it as he spun and reached over...
It’s given!
Libbok lands the kick and the final whistle goes!
South Africa 38-0 Italy
18:10 , Chris Wilson78 mins
Another poor line-out from Italy and South Africa have a chance to add some late points.
They’re not shy to go through the hands early on, though the forwards crash in for a couple of phases and earn advantage in doing so.
The attack breaks down for a knock-on though, and we come back to a penalty for hands in the ruck.
Libbok kicks to touch for one last scoring chance.
South Africa 38-0 Italy
18:0777 mins
Italy have their most dangerous attack in the last 20, but it's yet another wasted chance.
TRY! South Africa 38-0 Italy
18:04 , Chris Wilson73 mins
TRY! It’s been scrappy for a while but finally some quality!
South Africa create the numbers in midfield and it’s shipped to Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who baits the tackle and spins it wide to allow Mapimpi to cross.
The conversion is landed for all seven points.
South Africa 31-0 Italy
17:59 , Chris Wilson69 mins
Some scrappy play at the moment. Italy get possession back with a penalty and they kick for touch.
But it’s a poor line-out from the tourists and the Springboks win it back!
They go for the up-and-under kick and van der Merwe collects it!
South Africa 31-0 Italy
17:56 , Chris Wilson66 mins
Reinach has also replaced Williams for the Boks.
The two sides continue to exchange possession but there’s little chance of Italy getting back into this one as it stands. Not enough discipline.
A knock-on from the Springboks gives them a chance to create something though.
South Africa 31-0 Italy
17:51 , Chris Wilson62 mins
Marx comes off for Asenathi Ntlabakanye, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is also on.
South Africa 31-0 Italy
17:49 , Chris Wilson60 mins
Italy continue to be competitive at the breakdown but they just can’t create anything in attack.
They get a break as Belloni gets through the gain line after wrong-footing the defender, but there’s no communication as he fires the pass straight out of play.
South Africa 31-0 Italy
17:46 , Chris Wilson57 mins
Subs for South Africa as Cobus Wiese, Ethan Hooker and Evan Roos come on. Willie le Roux gets an ovation as he comes off.
South Africa 31-0 Italy
17:42 , Chris Wilson55 mins
Louw’s yellow card will stay a yellow, so he’ll be back in soon.
TRY! South Africa 31-0 Italy
17:38 , Chris Wilson52 mins
TRY!
The maul carries over the line and Malcolm Marx picks it out before carrying it over! Easy stuff.
Libbock converts easily.
South Africa 24-0 Italy
17:37 , Chris Wilson51 mins
Van der Merwe crosses again but it’s been brought back for a forward pass.
We come back to the penalty, and Libbok kicks to touch.
From the line-out, they create the rolling maul...
South Africa 24-0 Italy
17:35 , Chris Wilson48 mins
South Africa continue to dominate despite Italy’s numerical advantage.
They race through the phases to make it into the Italy 22, before they get a penalty and Fischetti is yellow carded.
South Africa 24-0 Italy
17:29 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Italy spread it wide and Lynagh tries the chip and chase, but it bounces out.
Italy have a player down at the moment, as Vintcent needs treatment.
And there could be trouble for the hosts here, as Wilco Louw has gone very high in the tackle. So high that there’s head contact.
It’s a yellow card for Louw for now, though it’ll be reviewed.
The Springboks have 13 men on the field now!
South Africa 24-0 Italy
17:26 , Chris Wilson43 mins
Another early penalty for for the Springboks, but they can’t make anything of it as they approach the try line before Italy win their own penalty for holding on.
Italy kick long, with Garbisi sending it into the South Africa half.
KICK-OFF! South Africa 24-0 Italy
17:23Italy get us back underway!
HALF-TIME! South Africa 24-0 Italy
17:19 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are re-emerging onto the pitch, so we’ll have kick-off for the second half soon.
British and Irish Lions call up Jamie George for third tour after Luke Cowan-Dickie injury
17:15 , Chris WilsonSome news from Down Under too...
England and Saracens hooker Jamie George has earned a call-up to what will be his third British and Irish Lions tour after Luke Cowan-Dickiepicked up an injury in the final warm-up match before the first Test against Australia.
Head coach Andy Farrell has drafted in cover at hooker after Cowan-Dickie was stretchered off in the 48-0 victory over an AUNZ Invitational XV in Adelaide.
Cowan-Dickie was knocked out of the game attempting a tackle and despite positive signs after half-time, when he was seen smiling and waving to supporters, George has been drafted in before the first Test in Brisbane.
Lions confirm late call-up for first Australia Test after Cowan-Dickie injury
HALF-TIME! South Africa 24-0 Italy
17:11 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! South Africa 24-0 Italy
17:08The referee blows the whistle as the buzzer sounds and the hosts head into the break with just 14 men but a 24-point lead.
TRY! South Africa 24-0 Italy
17:06 , Chris Wilson38 mins
TRY! Moodie gets on the scoresheet!
He receives a clever pass from Williams and the space has opened up ahead of him.
He powers through two tackles before crossing and grounding it brilliantly.
Libbok sees the kick sail through for another two points.
South Africa 17-0 Italy
17:03 , Chris Wilson36 mins
Italy have a chance to make something of a line-out in the South Africa half but they’re penalised.
South Africa pressure again and the Azzurri are penalised again, this time for offside. Libbok rifles a kick into touch.
TRY! South Africa 17-0 Italy
17:00 , Chris Wilson32 mins
TRY! A slice of fortune but the hosts won’t care!
They work it through the hands and it comes to Le Roux, who slips the grubber kick through.
It looks like Bertaccini will collect it but the bounce wrong-foots him right as he’s going to collect, and van der Merwe races through to collect it and crash over the line!
The conversions is landed and it’s a 17-point lead.
South Africa 10-0 Italy
16:58 , Chris Wilson30 mins
First change for South Africa as Ox Nche comes on for Thomas du Toit.
South Africa 10-0 Italy
16:56 , Chris Wilson27 mins
Italy win the turnover at the breakdown after a brief period of South Africa possession.
No real pressure from Italy yet though, with another chance fumbled on the wing.
It’s back and forth between the two sides at the moment.
South Africa 10-0 Italy
16:51 , Chris Wilson24 mins
Italy send the free-kick long and van der Merwe can’t collect! He knocks it on.
A scrum midway into the Springboks half.
But the hosts’ line speed is brilliant in defence and they win a scrum of their own, with Moodie’s quick tackle forcing the knock-on.
RED CARD! South Africa 10-0 Italy
16:48 , Chris Wilson22 mins
RED CARD! Jasper Wiese leads with the head and he’s sent off!
A ridiculous thing to do in these circumstances.
South Africa 10-0 Italy
16:46 , Chris Wilson21 mins
There’s a scuffle here and the referee is checking the replays for any card offences...
South Africa 10-0 Italy
16:44 , Chris Wilson19 mins
Le Roux collects the long kick and takes the line-out quickly, launching another Boss attack, but the Italians win it back. The two sides exchange kicks before Le Roux places a perfect flat kick to give the visitors a line-out .
South Africa 10-0 Italy
16:41 , Jack Rathborn-is-tackled-by-Italys-wing-Louis-Lynagh-(C)-during-the-in.jpeg)
-runs-with-the-ball-during-the-international-rugby-union-Test.jpeg)
TRY! South Africa 10-0 Italy
16:39 , Chris Wilson16 mins
TRY!
South Africa win the scrum and spread it wide.
The long pass skips two men and comes wide to van der Merwe right on the wing and he’s under pressure, though he crosses the line. But has he gone into touch before grounding it?
He hasn’t! It’s fine, and a second try of the game for the hosts.
Libbok misses the conversion again.
South Africa 5-0 Italy
16:35 , Chris Wilson15 mins
The referee is trying to get the message across to Italy’s players regarding the concession of penalties. There could be a yellow soon.
The Springboks have won the scrum on the Italy five-metre line.
South Africa 5-0 Italy
16:3413 mins
More pressure straight away from the hosts as they win a penalty, and they get the opening but there’s a knock-on from the offload just as they’re about to cross!
TRY! South Africa 5-0 Italy
16:31 , Chris Wilson9 mins
TRY! Out of nowhere!
It’s brilliant from the hosts, who win the scrum in their own half. They work it through the hands and van der Merwe gets the first break through the Italian defence. He makes up plenty of ground before shipping it wide, and it comes back inside off the wing to Williams, who crosses for the first score of the game!
Libbok goes narrowly wide with the conversion.
South Africa 0-0 Italy
16:28 , Chris Wilson8 mins
Le Roux gets his hands on the ball for the first time but he’s unsure what to do and ends up knocking it on!
Scrum to Italy, but they make little of it and it goes to the Boks.
Stop-start in the opening stages here.
South Africa 0-0 Italy
16:25 , Chris Wilson6 mins
The scrum turns to an Italy penalty, and it’s launched into touch.
There’s a brilliant atmosphere at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium!
South Africa 0-0 Italy
16:23 , Chris Wilson4 mins
The hosts win possession and spread it wide before winning a penalty at the breakdown.
They kick to touch for the line-out on the 22, and Wiese powers through before du Toit is held up over the line.
The referee reviews it and Wiese is penalised for the knock-on. We’ll have a scrum on the Italy five-metre.
South Africa 0-0 Italy
16:20 , Chris Wilson1 min
A strange kick-off from the Springboks as they purposely mess it up to take a scrum.
KICK-OFF! South Africa 0-0 Italy
16:18 , Chris WilsonThe hosts get us underway at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium!
South Africa primed for Italy test
16:14 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway with the national anthems!
South Africa primed for Italy test
16:12 , Jack Rathborn
South Africa 42-24 Italy
16:00 , Chris WilsonA reminder that the result from the first game of this series went the way of the Springboks, with the hosts grinding out a 42-24 win.
The contest was perhaps closer than the scoreline suggests too, with the Italians making a three-try comeback and seeing two scores ruled out before getting within 11 points of the world champions.
However, Marco van Staden’s late try was enough to make it somewhat comfortable in the end, and both sides head to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium with a point to prove this afternoon.
Manie Libbok hails Willie le Roux as full-back wins 100th cap
15:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleWillie le Roux joins a very select group of Springboks centurions today, the full-back the eighth South Africa to reach 100 caps. Eben Etzebeth, Victor Matfield, Bryan Habana, Tendai Mtawarira, John Smith, Jean de Villiers and Percy Montgomery - it’s handy company, obviously.
“Willie is an incredible person, and he’s been helpful since the first time we played and trained together,” said fly half Manie Libbok of his teammate.
“I’m very excited to be with him on the field on this special occasion. Having played a handful of Tests, I know what a massive achievement this is, and we are all very proud of him.”
Gonzalo Quesada explains Italy bench selection
15:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleGonzalo Quesada has eschewed specialist fly half cover on his bench today, a scrum half in Stephen Varney and outside bakc Giulio Bertaccini providing the backs cover with the Italy boss believing it to be a necessity to have six forwards.
"We've carefully considered the composition of the bench," Quesada explained "which carries a risk in any case: going with five forwards against the Springboks or having only two backs and not covering all the positions.
“We decided that the risk we didn't want to take was the first, and after talking to the players, we decided that the priority was to cover the centre of the field, where we'll take on Andre Esterhuizen and Canan Moodie. So we preferred to select Bertaccini, who does very well at centre and wing. Alessandro Garbisi, if needed, will cover the fly-half role."
Slimmed down Asenathi Ntlabakanye gets chance to impress
15:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleSouth Africa are hardly short of tightheads but there will be plenty pleased to see Asenathi Ntlabakanye get a go off the bench today. Even by prop standards, the Lions front-rower is giant - but he’s put in the work on Springboks scrum coach Daan Human’s farm to shed a few pounds and get into a little bit better shape. Ntalabakanye is more mobile than he might initially look, and you don’t particularly want to stray down his channel too often.
Italy team news
15:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere are five changes for Italy as Niccolo Cannone captains again following an impressive showing in Pretoria last Saturday. Full-back Mirko Belloni contrasts with his opposite number Le Roux in making his first international start on what is just his second cap, with Louis Lynagh and Jacopo Trulla comprising the rest of the back three.
Sebastian Negri is a welcome returnee on the flank in a balanced back row with Manuel Zuliani and Ross Vintcent, while there are six forwards on the bench ready to provide impact again.
Italy XV: 1 Danilo Fischetti, 2 Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, 3 Simone Ferrari; 4 Niccolo Cannone (capt.), 5 Andrea Zambonin; 6 Sebastian Negri, 7 Manuel Zuliani, 8 Ross Vintcent; 9 Alessandro Garbisi, 10 Giacomo Da Re; 11 Jacopo Trulla, 12 Marco Zanon, 13 Tommaso Menoncello, 14 Louis Lynagh; 15 Mirko Belloni.
Replacements: 16 Pablo Dimcheff, 17 Mirco Spagnolo, 18 Muhamed Hasa, 19 Matteo Canali, 20 Alessandro Izekor, 21 David Odiase; 22 Stephen Varney, 23 Giulio Bertaccini.
South Africa team news
15:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleWillie le Roux becomes the eighth centurion for the Springboks as the full-back wins cap number 100 for South Africa in a side containing plenty of experience. There is still no Siya Kolisi, though, with Salmaan Moerat skippering from the second row. Andre Esterhuizen and Canan Moodie form a new-look centre partnership outside of Manie Libbok, stationed at fly half.
Debuts, meanwhile, await giant tighthead Asenathi Ntlabakanye, sizeable lock Cobus Wiese and comparatively compact centre Ethan Hooker off the bench.
South Africa XV: 1 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Wilco Louw; 4 Salmaan Moerat (capt.), 5 Ruan Nortje; 6 Marco van Staden, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8 Jasper Wiese; 9 Grant Williams, 10 Manie Libbok; 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 13 Canan Moodie, 14 Edwill van der Merwe; 15 Willie le Roux.
Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Evan Roos; 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Ethan Hooker.
South Africa's eighth Test centurion will be joined by three uncapped players in the #Springboks' match-23 for Saturday's return Test against Italy in Gqeberha 💯#ForeverGreenForeverGold
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 8, 2025
South Africa vs Italy
15:12 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight, kick off is not too far away in Gqeberha - let’s take a closer look at the two teams...
International results so far today
14:55 , Chris WilsonThere have been a few international Tests played already today, so here are the results from the day’s games:
Fiji 29-14 Scotland
Japan 22-31 Wales
New Zealand 43-17 France
Edwill van der Merwe excited for second cap
14:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleWillie le Roux will be joined in the back three for South Africa today by Edwill van der Merwe, who gets a second cap on the wing with neither of Kurt-Lee Arendse or Cheslin Kolbe - fellow scrum-capped hot-steppers - involved.
“It was always my biggest goal to play for the Springboks, and when I earned my first cap, I wanted to make sure that I didn’t just play one game, so it’s great that a year and three months later I’m looking forward to playing another game.
“Both teams will look to make a step-up this week, and it’s great to have experienced players like Willie and Makazole playing with me in my second Test.
“The nice thing about how this team operates is that last week I was training against the starting team in the role of Italy, which helps a lot. But we still have to stop what they throw at us on the day, so we have a big job ahead this weekend.”
Willie le Roux to win 100th cap as Springboks ring changes for second Italy clash
14:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleSouth Africa full-back Willie le Roux will earn his 100th cap when he starts the second Test against Italy in Gqeberha, with Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus also naming three uncapped players among the replacements.
It is a much changed selection from the team that failed to impress in a 42-24 victory over the touring Italians in Pretoria last week.
Le Roux becomes the eighth player to reach 100 caps for the Springboks and makes up a back three that also includes wings Makazole Mapimpi and Edwill van der Merwe.
"Willie has been a stalwart for us in the last few years after making his debut against Italy in Durban in 2013, and he’s a fantastic playmaker, so we are thrilled to see him achieve this incredible feat," Erasmus said.
Willie le Roux to win 100th cap as Springboks ring changes for second Italy clash
Springboks emerge victorious despite Italy fright
14:03 , Jack Rathborn
-tackles-South-Africas-fullback-Damian-Willemse-(2nd-L)-during-t.jpeg)
Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus reveal the secrets behind the Springboks’ evolution
13:52 , Harry Latham-CoyleSouth Africa are back-to-back world champions for a reason, Rassie Erasmus seemingly always able to keep his side ahead of the game. Last year, I went to find out the secrets behind their next evolution as they set their sights on more success.
Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus reveal the secrets behind the Springboks’ evolution
South Africa vs Italy live
Friday 11 July 2025 12:29 , Harry Latham-CoyleA busy July of international rugby action continues with South Africa hosting Italy for the second clash of this two-Test series. The Springboks are 1-0 after a 42-24 win in Pretoria - but the world champions were given a real examination and will be expecting another tough encounter.
Kick off is at 4.10pm BST.
