On a crisp Saturday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, the South Africa Springboks launched their 2025 international campaign with a commanding 42-24 victory over Italy in the first of two summer Test matches. The world champions, led by captain Jesse Kriel in the absence of Siya Kolisi, showcased their trademark power and precision, particularly in the first half, before weathering a spirited Italian comeback in a fiercely contested battle.
From the outset, the Springboks stamped their authority on the game. Within the first ten minutes, Kriel set the tone with a well-executed try following a clever grubber kick from Damian de Allende, swiftly converted by Handre Pollard. This early score was a microcosm of the Boks' tactical savvy and physical dominance that would define much of the match.
South Africa's forward pack, featuring stalwarts like Eben Etzebeth, Wilco Louw, and debutant Vincent Tshituka, who earned his first Test cap after an impressive non-cap debut against the Barbarians, dominated the scrums and breakdowns. Their relentless pressure culminated in multiple tries, including a powerful drive that allowed Morne van den Berg to cross the line twice in the first half. Van den Berg, earning his third cap, was a standout, combining raw power with sharp instincts.
The Springboks' first-half display was clinical. They scored four tries and converted every opportunity, leading 28-3 at halftime. Kurt-Lee Arendse added flair on the wing with a dynamic try, while the Boks capitalized on Italy's discipline issues, including a yellow card to Lorenzo Cannone that gave South Africa a crucial man advantage. Italy managed only a penalty goal by Giacomo Da Re in response, reflecting their struggle to contain the relentless South African assault.
Italy, captained by Niccolò Cannone and missing key players such as Michele Lamaro and Sebastian Negri, showed resilience despite the deficit. The Azzurri entered the second half with renewed vigor, scoring four tries to keep the contest alive. Debutant hooker Pablo Dimcheff crossed for his first international try, and Niccolò Cannone powered through South Africa's defense to narrow the gap to 35-24. Their spirited comeback was a testament to Italy's growing competitiveness on the international stage, building on their recent 73-6 victory over Namibia.
South Africa, however, managed to withstand the pressure. Vincent Koch, coming off the bench, scored the first try of the second half for the Springboks, extending their lead and providing a timely boost. Despite some handling errors and Italy's relentless attitude, the Boks' tactical discipline and physicality proved decisive. Marco van Staden sealed the victory with a late try in the 74th minute, pushing the score to 42-24 and putting the game beyond doubt.
The match was not without its moments of tension. Italy's Alessandro Izekor was shown a yellow card in the 77th minute for cynical play, reducing the visitors to 14 men at a critical juncture. Cheslin Kolbe's outstanding defensive efforts, including a crucial tackle that prevented an Italian try, highlighted the Springboks' commitment on both sides of the ball.
Rassie Erasmus' selection strategy, blending experienced World Cup winners like Handre Pollard, Eben Etzebeth, and Jesse Kriel with emerging talents such as Vincent Tshituka and Morne van den Berg, paid dividends. The bench, featuring seasoned campaigners like Willie le Roux, who was on the brink of his 99th cap, and Faf de Klerk, provided fresh energy and tactical flexibility as the game progressed.
The victory maintains South Africa's position atop the World Rugby Rankings with a rating of 92.78, comfortably ahead of second-placed New Zealand. Italy, ranked tenth with 77.77 points, showed promising signs despite the loss, signaling their intent to challenge top-tier nations more consistently.
This match also marked a significant occasion for Vincent Tshituka, the Democratic Republic of Congo-born flanker who impressed in his debut non-cap match against the Barbarians by scoring two tries, and now officially earned his first Test cap. His dynamic play added a new dimension to the Springboks' back row, complementing the physicality and skill of Jasper Wiese and Marco van Staden.
The Springboks will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for the second Test against Italy on July 12 in Port Elizabeth, followed by a clash with Georgia on July 19. These fixtures serve as crucial preparation ahead of the Rugby Championship later in the year, where South Africa aims to defend their title against the southern hemisphere's elite.
For Italy, the tour offers valuable experience and the opportunity to test their mettle against the world champions. Coach Gonzalo Quesada will be encouraged by the resilience shown in the second half and the contributions of debutants like Pablo Dimcheff, Matteo Canali, and David Odiase, who are expected to gain more exposure in upcoming matches.
The match was officiated by referee Hollie Davidson from Scotland, with assistant referees Matthew Carley and Andrew Brace from England and TMO Andrew Jackson overseeing video decisions. The game kicked off at 4:10 PM BST (11:10 AM ET) and was broadcast live on Sky Sports Action in the UK and FloRugby in the USA, allowing rugby fans worldwide to witness this compelling encounter.
In the end, South Africa’s first official Test of 2025 lived up to expectations, delivering a thrilling spectacle of power, skill, and resilience. While the Springboks controlled the first half with authority, Italy’s spirited fightback ensured the match remained competitive until the final whistle. The stage is now set for an intriguing second Test as both teams look to assert their dominance in this summer series.
