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The blowout expected from world champion South Africa didn't eventuate as it scratched out a 42-24 win over Italy at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The Springboks led 28-3 at halftime, dominating every facet. But even the 'bomb squad,' which entered to a roar of acclaim, could not press home the advantage into a scoreline their fans are used to against the Azzurri.
The depleted Italians stunned with a comeback that unleashed three converted tries with two more tries ruled out. They got within 11 points of South Africa until Marco van Staden crashed over with seven minutes to go.
Even that didn't temper Italy's fire, with the visitor attacking in South Africa's 22 at fulltime.
The Springboks averaged 49 points in their last three matches against Italy and set themselves up for another rout. They largely retained the strong side which whipped the Barbarians 54-7 last weekend. The Boks bench, alone, had more caps than Italy's entire matchday 23.
Italy struggled to find 23 fit players. The warmup win over Namibia cost them two players, and a fifth player went home early during the past week when seven more frontline players were hurt in training.
Coach Gonzalo Quesada reluctantly picked a 6-2 forwards-heavy bench to combat the Springboks bomb squad, gave international debuts to four players including both hookers, and named scrumhalf Alessandro Fusco as the flyhalf backup if Giacomo Da Re was injured.
South Africa vs Italy live
- 37' TRY! Van den Berg piles on misery for Azzurri to secure 28-3 lead at the break
- 68' TRY! Cannone gives Azzurri fresh hope with late score
- 74' TRY! Van Staden strikes to seal heavy win for Boks
Springboks unhappy with performance
20:06 , Lawrence Ostlere"There will be disappointment in tonight's performance," Springboks scrumhalf Faf de Klerk said. "Italy really made it hard for us at the breakdown, their forwards were phenomenal. We must look at it in the week and fix it for the next game."
Springboks held firm as Italy pushed to the final whistle
18:26 , Ciara FearnThe game was a fiercely contested battle from start to finish with both teams showing moments of brilliance mixed with uncharacteristic errors.
The Springboks demonstrated their trademark power and tactical savvy, especially in key attacking phases - while Italy showed great resilience and capitalized on their opportunities particularly in the second half.
The physicality and intensity of the match made for a gripping spectacle, but handling errors and penalties disrupted the flow at times.
South Africa’s decision to bring on fresh reserves injected new energy helping them maintain control late in the game.
Italy’s relentless attitude kept the contest alive and their late pressure inside the Springboks’ 22-metre zone hinted at a possible upset. In the end it was South Africa’s ability to withstand the pressure and execute under the high stakes proving decisive at the final whistle.
Full-time! South Africa 42-24 Italy
18:11 , Ciara Fearn80 mins: The Italians believe they’d scored another try, but the referee instead awards a penalty to the home side who quickly tap and launch the ball high into the night sky to close out the game.
Yellow-card for Italy
18:08 , Ciara Fearn77 mins: Alessandro Izekor is shown a yellow card and sent to the sin-bin for cynical play in the build-up to the try, leaving his team a player short at a crucial moment.
This disciplinary action could have significant consequences as the pressure mounts on his side.
The Italians are set to have the final opportunity in the game after being given the feed inside the Springboks’ 22-metre zone.
Try! South Africa (van Staden) 42-24 Italy
18:0474 mins: The defence can’t hold up under the pressure as Marco van Staden breaks free from the tackle and charges unstoppable over the try-line.
South Africa 35-24 Italy
18:02
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Try! South Africa 35- 24 Italy (Cannone)
18:0068 mins: Opportunistic from the Azzurri! The Azzurri strike again rapidly, forcing a turnover near the try-line with Niccolo Cannone powering straight through to score the try.
TMO search for any double movement roll from Niccolo Cannone and they rule the try to be all one movement and Italy are right back in the game.
Bok’s struggle to contain the ruck and Italy pounce on the opportunity to score another try. Giacomo De Re adds the extras again.
Try! South Africa 35-17 Italy (Dimcheff)
17:53 , Ciara Fearn65 mins: A debut try for Dimcheff. The South Africans kept retreating and Pablo Dimcheff broke away like a splinter to secure a much-needed try for Italy.
Italy are really competing in the second-half, Springbok’s will be looking to improve their performance as we head into the final 15 minutes.
It’s been far from clinical for the Springbok’s this second half.
Giacomo De Re converts the try
Italy take control
17:51 , Ciara Fearn63 mins: Italy is now controlling solid possession deep inside the Springboks’ 22-metre area. Good execution of line out time for the Azzurri with a good strong formation after.
No try! South Africa 35-10 Italy
17:49 , Ciara Fearn61 mins: Cheslin Kolbe was really tight in the defence and the try is considered a no try for the unlucky Azzurri.
Try! South Africa (Koch) 35-10 Italy
17:4557 mins: The Italians scramble was strong but the bomb squad proves too much as Vincent Koch crosses over. They kept tight and peered for spaces with the strong support Koch was able to launch over for the try.
Handre Pollard adds the extra points and the Springbok’s are now firmly in the lead.
Scrappy from both sides
17:39 , Ciara Fearn52 mins: A gritty second half is underway, marked by numerous handling errors from both teams, making for a tense battle between the two.
Italy make a few changes.
The bomb squad come on
17:29 , Ciara Fearn49 mins: Excitement erupts as South Africa brings several of their reserves onto the field.
Try! South Africa 28-10 Italy (Zulani)
17:27 , Ciara Fearn45 mins: Manual Zuliani powers through the fringes with a pick-and-go, helping the Azzurri cross the try line.
Giacomo Da Re adds the extras for Italy.
No try! South Africa (Tshituka) 28-3 Italy
17:23 , Ciara Fearn41 mins: The Springboks continue their momentum as Damian Willemse sparks the offence with some slick footwork entering the 22-meter area.
The ball is quickly recycled and passed out wide to Vincent Tshituka, who dives over in the corner.
The TMO identifies obstruction before Ox Nche's try, resulting in the score being ruled out and an Italian penalty awarded.
Kick-off! South Africa 28-3 Italy
17:18 , Ciara FearnWe’re back underway in Pretoria. Giacomo De Re gets the match restarted and sends one hanging onto the South African 10 metre line.
Half-time! South Africa 28-3 Italy
17:06 , Ciara FearnThe first half was a tense battle of territory and possession with both teams struggling to hold onto the ball and opting for tactical kicking.
Italy earned some early set-piece opportunities deep in South Africa’s half but found it tough to break through. The Springboks applied constant pressure, capitalising on Italy’s penalties and handling errors to dominate the breakdowns.
South Africa’s physicality and clinical finishing gave them the edge heading into the break.
Try! South Africa (van den Berg) 28-3 Italy
16:59 , Ciara Fearn37 mins: Morne van den Berg crosses the line for his second try of the game exploiting the space that opens up around the edges of the set-piece.
South Africa secure a penalty
16:58 , Ciara Fearn36 mins: The Springboks look to strike again before the break choosing a scrum just five metres out as they push for another score.
Scrum to South Africa
16:53 , Ciara Fearn33 mins: The referee unintentionally obstructs the flow of play prompting a stoppage and calling for a scrum reset on Italy’s 10-metre line.
Try! South Africa (Arendse) 21-3 Italy
16:51 , Ciara Fearn30 mins: Kurt-Lee Arendse finishes a brilliant move straight from the lineout, cutting clean through the Italian defence on first-phase ball.
With his blistering pace there's no stopping him as he races in for a sensational try.
Pollard secures the extras again.
South Africa 14-3 Italy (Giacomo De Re)
16:48 , Ciara Fearn27 mins: Italy wins a penalty for offside against the Springboks and decides to take the opportunity to get on the board, opting for a shot at goal.
Giacomo De Re secures the penalty and the Azzurri have some points on the board.
Try! South Africa (van den Berg) 14-0 Italy
16:44 , Ciara Fearn23 mins: The Springboks choose the scrum to make full use of their numerical advantage up front and it pays off.
Their pack powers forward with authority allowing Morne van den Berg to easily scoop the ball from the base and dive over for the try.
Handre Pollard secures the extras.
Yellow-card! Italy (Cannone)
16:41 , Ciara Fearn22 mins: Lorenzo Cannone is shown a yellow card for cynical play close to Italy’s try line and he'll spend the next 10 minutes in the sin bin leaving the Azzurri a man down under pressure.
South Africa pose a real threat from this position
16:40 , Ciara Fearn21 mins: The Springboks force a turnover and immediately launch a tactical kick downfield. Their aggressive chase puts Italy under pressure, leaving the Azzurri with little choice but to clear their lines.
However, the kick doesn't gain much ground and Italy remains pinned inside their own 22 with South Africa pressing hard.
Italy get the scrum
16:36 , Ciara Fearn18 mins: Scrum to Italy. The Azzurri maintain their composure and make the most of the set-piece opportunity, patiently building phases and securing clean possession deep in South Africa’s half.
Their structured play begins to apply real pressure on the Springbok defence hinting at an attacking opportunity.
South Africa fumble
15 mins: The Azzurri exhale with relief as South Africa fumbles the ball close to their try line resulting in a knock-on.
This mistake hands Italy a valuable scrum feed right on their own 5-metre line giving them a crucial opportunity to regain control and relieve the pressure the Boks are imposing.
Italy penalty at the breakdown
13 mins: Italy goes to ground and South Africa quickly resumes their attack by kicking for the touchline again after Italy concedes a penalty at the breakdown.
Try! South Africa (Kriel) 7-0 Italy
16:27 , Ciara Fearn11 mins: The TMO is reviewed the try as the Springboks shifted from their usual straightforward style.
Damian de Allende cleverly chipped a kick through the Italian defence, which Jesse Kriel collected to ground the ball over the line - throwing doubt as to whether he was onside.
Handre Pollard gifts the conversion.
South Africa gain a crucial penalty
9 mins: Italy gives away a penalty for a high tackle, allowing the Springboks to kick to the corner and set up a lineout inside the 22-metre area putting pressure on the Italian defence.
Battling for territory
6 mins: Both sides stick to a tactical kicking approach, trading high balls as they battle for field position in their own half.
Several scrums have already been called as both teams face difficulties maintaining possession.
South Africa 0-0 Italy
16:20 , Jack Rathborn
Italy's grubber kick hands South Africa lineout opportunity
4 mins: Italy moves the ball swiftly from the scrum and chooses a cross-field grubber kick that rolls into touch, handing South Africa the lineout.
South Africa 0-0 Italy
2 mins: Italy earns the first scrum of the match near the Springboks' 10-metre line. Eben Etzebeth charges down their initial clearance attempt, but on the second effort they manage to get the kick away.
Handre Pollard can't collect the ball cleanly giving Italy the early advantage.
Kick-off! South Africa 0-0 Italy
We’re underway in Pretoria! Handre Pollard sends it high.
Kick-off approaching
Both teams get ready to make their way to the field as anthems are belted out. The mighty Springboks are ready to go to battle against the Italians.
South Africa set sights on another big win over Italy
Counting their recent victory over the Barbarians, South Africa have come out on top in 16 of their last 18 games.
While the Springboks have hosted Italy seven times before, this upcoming clash marks their first meeting at Loftus Versfeld - a venue where the Boks boast a 78% win rate.
South Africa’s dominance over Italy has been evident in recent encounters, winning their last two matchups by convincing margins: 49-3 in 2019 and 63-21 in 2022.
Players to keep an eye on
South Africa: All eyes will be on Vincent Tshituka as he makes his official Test debut with a particular focus on his defensive contributions.
Meanwhile, Damian Willemse returns to the No. 15 jersey for the first time since the 2023 World Cup Final. A consistent performer for the Stormers, he'll be looking to elevate his impact on the international stage.
Italy: Although missing several key players, Italy still boasts dangerous threats out wide in Simone Gesi and Louis Lynagh - both known for their blistering pace and ability to exploit space.
Another matchup to watch is the midfield clash between Jesse Kriel and Tommaso Menoncello, which promises to be a highlight of the contest.
Match officials
15:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt will be Scotland’s Hollie Davidson in the middle today, the referee taking another significant step up the officiating ranks. The whistler for the last women’s World Cup final in 2022, the Scot has again been appointed for the upcoming tournament in England and may be a strong candidate to again take charge of the decider in late September.
Referee: Hollie Davidson (Sco)
ARs: Matthew Carley (Eng) & Andrew Brace (Ire)
TMO: Andrew Jackson (Eng)
FPRO: Tual Trainini (Fra)
Handre Pollard back in harness
15:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Springboks No 10 shirt feels totally up for grabs, all of Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu live contenders to be Rassie Erasmus’s starting fly half come the pricklier stuff later this year. Pollard didn’t necessarily have his best season for Leicester but still helped the Tigers into the Premiership final - he’s on his way back to South Africa in club rugby having rejoined the Bulls after spurning lucrative offers elsewhere.
Where can Italy threaten South Africa?
15:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleItaly have, at times, used a more kick-heavy gameplan since the arrival of Gonzalo Quesada, eschewing the more expansive style generally employed under predecessor Kieran Crowley. They are without Paolo Garbisi and Tommaso Allan, of course, but Giacomo Da Re had a solid season with Zebre in Parma, and Jacopo Trulla has a big boot on him at full-back. The trouble is that South Africa, with their lineout and scrum strength, are a tough team to squeeze at the set piece - Italy simply have to stay in the fight in both areas to keep this close.
Niccolo Cannone expecting tough physical test
15:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleItaly captain Niccolo Cannone has challenged his side to rise to the challenge posed by the Springboks’ behemoths with the lock clear that Italy face a mighty physical challenge in Pretoria.
“We will face the most physical team in the world: it is their main identity,” said Cannone, “It will be very tough. We are ready, these are the games we want to play”
“Unfortunately we’ve lost some important players. These things happen and we are sorry. I am sure that whoever takes over and has the opportunity to play will do it in the best way possible. When you wear this shirt you have to help the team: I am sure that everyone will do it, I am calm about this”
"We will have to try not to play their game and follow our rugby. Try to get around the obstacle and finish all the possible opportunities.”
Team news - Italy
15:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere’s a fresh feel to parts of the Italy side, who are without Michele Lamaro, Juan Ignacio Brex, and Sebastian Negri, among others. Lock Niccolo Cannone captains a side that also contains brother Lorenzo, while Tommaso Di Bartolomeo starts at hooker with Giacmo Nicotera (who had been due to skipper) out with a rib injury.
Gonzalo Quesada matches the Springboks with a six/two bench, with three forward debutants among his sextet of replacements: hooker Pablo Dimcheff, lock Matteo Canali and flanker David Odiase should all earn their first international caps at some stage.
Italy XV: 1 Danilo Fischetti, 2 Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, 3 Simone Ferrari; 4 Niccolo Cannone (capt.), 5 Andrea Zambonin; 6 Alessandro Izekor, 7 Manuel Zuliani, 8 Lorenzo Cannone; 9 Alessandro Fusco, 10 Giacomo Da Re; 11 Simone Gesi, 12 Marco Zanon, 13 Tommaso Menoncello, 14 Louis Lynagh; 15 Jacopo Trulla.
Replacements: 16 Pablo Dimcheff, 17 Mirco Spagnolo, 18 Muhamed Hasa, 19 Matteo Canali, 20 Ross Vintcent, 21 David Odiase; 22 Alessandro Garbisi, 23 Giulio Bertaccini.
Gli #Azzurri che scenderanno in campo contro il Sudafrica nel secondo incontro delle Summer Series 👇#RSAvITA 🇿🇦🇮🇹
— Italrugby (@Federugby) July 3, 2025
🗓️ Sabato 5 Luglio
⏰ 17:10
🏟️ Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
📺 @skysport max ▪ @nowtvit #italrugby#insieme #rugbypassioneitaliana pic.twitter.com/V2k1DIBCEA
Team news - South Africa
15:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleJesse Kriel captains the Springboks in the absence of Siya Kolisi having also led the side in the non-capped clash with the Barbarians last week. Vincent Tshituka earns an international debut in the back row with Marco van Staden filling in for the skipper on the openside, while Handre Pollard and Damian Willemse take over as the chief playmakers at 10 and 15 respectively.
It is, as is custom, a frighteningly good bench, with Willie le Roux in line for a 99th cap as one of two backs replacements - Faf de Klerk is the other as “Bomb Squad” regulars like Vincent Koch, RG Snyman and Kwagga Smith await deployment.
South Africa XV: 1 Ox Nche, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Wilco Louw; 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Lood de Jager; 6 Marco van Staden, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 8 Jasper Wiese; 9 Morne van den Berg, 10 Handre Pollard; 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 12 Damian de Allende, 13 Jesse Kriel (capt.), 14 Cheslin Kolbe; 15 Damian Willemse.
Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Franco Mostert, 21 Kwagga Smith; 22 Faf de Klerk, 23 Willie le Roux.
South Africa vs Italy
15:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleSouth Africa and Italy don’t meet that often, though will take each other on three times this year with an encounter scheduled on Italian soil for some point in November. Some of the older Springboks will remember the dark day in Florence in 2016 that marked the low point of the disastrous Allister Coetzee era, the head coach clinging on for a while longer before Rassie Erasmus arrived to start the unlikely turnaround in fortunes celebrated with World Cup triumph in 2019.
Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus reveal the secrets behind the Springboks’ evolution
14:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleSouth Africa have undergone a fascinating evolution over the last 12 months, with Rassie Erasmus recognising the need to expand his side’s horizons. He and Siya Kolisi explained the next step for the double world champions in November.
Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus reveal the secrets behind the Springboks’ evolution
The two sides of Springboks enforcer Eben Etzebeth: ‘On the pitch, my mindset switches’
14:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleStepping in alongside Lood de Jager today will be the mighty Eben Etzebeth, a character of contrasts: as intense as they come on the field, the giant lock is totally laid back off it, as I found out when I went to meet him last year:
The two sides of Springboks enforcer Etzebeth: ‘On the pitch, my mindset switches’
South Africa lose Jean Kleyn to injury
14:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleSouth Africa did, however, suffer some rough injury luck in that non-capped game, with Jean Kleyn now back with Munster after being ruled out of this two-Test series.
"We feel for Jean, but injuries are part of the game, and we are fortunate to have good depth at lock within the squad so there is no need for us to replace him at this stage," Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus said.
Kleyn partnered Lood de Jager in the second row in Saturday's win over the Barbarians in Cape Town, with the latter playing his first game for the side in two years following shoulder issues and starting again today.
Springboks knock off rust with big Barbarians win
14:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis is the first fully-fledged international outing for South Africa this year, but the Springboks got up and running in a sense with a ruthless dismantling of the Barbarians last week. A 54-7 win served as a useful hit-out for Rassie Erasmus’s side, though they’ll be expecting a rather more stern examination today.
South Africa vs Italy live
Friday 4 July 2025 14:39 , Harry Latham-CoyleA very good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of this intriguing little encounter between South Africa and Italy. Meetings between the Springboks and the Azzurri are relatively rare, with the visitors facing up to the tough challenge of the world champions as they bid to continue their development under Gonzalo Quesada.
Kick off in Pretoria is at 4.10pm BST.
