The South Africa Springboks kicked off their 2025 summer rugby campaign with a commanding 42-24 victory over Italy at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on July 5. This first of two summer test matches showcased the Springboks' dominance in the opening stages and Italy's spirited comeback effort in the second half.
From the outset, South Africa stamped their authority on the game. Led by captain Jesse Kriel in the absence of Siya Kolisi, the Springboks exploited their physicality and tactical nous to control possession and territory. Within 10 minutes, Kriel set the tone with a well-executed try, capitalizing on a precise grubber kick from Damian de Allende. Handre Pollard, the Springboks' reliable flyhalf, nailed the conversion to put South Africa ahead 7-0.
The home side's forward pack was relentless, imposing themselves in the scrums and breakdowns. This pressure paid dividends at 22 minutes when Morne van den Berg powered over the line following a dominant scrum drive. Pollard again converted, extending the lead to 14-0. Italy's Lorenzo Cannone was shown a yellow card at this stage, granting South Africa a man advantage which they exploited efficiently.
Italy managed to get on the scoreboard at 26 minutes through a penalty kick by Giacomo Da Re, cutting the deficit to 14-3. However, the Springboks were undeterred. Kurt-Lee Arendse electrified the crowd at 29 minutes with a blistering try, slicing through the Italian defense with his pace and footwork. Pollard's perfect kicking continued, pushing the score to 21-3.
South Africa's Morne van den Berg secured his second try of the match at 36 minutes, exploiting space around the edges of the set-piece. This try, converted by Pollard, gave the Springboks a commanding 28-3 lead at halftime. Italy had struggled to contain South Africa's physicality and clinical finishing in the first half, despite some early territorial opportunities.
The second half saw Italy emerge with renewed vigor. Manuel Zuliani crossed for Italy's first try at 46 minutes, converted by Da Re, narrowing the gap to 28-10. Italy's resilience was on full display as they capitalized on Springbok errors and increased their tempo. However, a potential South African try by Vincent Tshituka at 41 minutes was ruled out due to obstruction, a moment that could have further extended the lead.
Vincent Koch, coming on as a replacement, powered over for the Springboks at 55 minutes, with Pollard maintaining his flawless kicking record, pushing the score to 35-10. Italy refused to back down, with Pablo Dimcheff scoring a try at 62 minutes, converted by Da Re, followed by a try from captain Niccolò Cannone at 67 minutes. These efforts brought Italy within striking distance at 35-24, igniting hope among the Azzurri and their supporters.
Discipline became an issue for Italy as Alessandro Izekor received a yellow card at 73 minutes, giving South Africa a crucial man advantage late in the game. Marco van Staden capitalized on this at 74 minutes, scoring a late try that Pollard converted, sealing the Springboks' victory at 42-24.
Despite Italy's spirited second-half fightback, the early dominance and physical superiority of the Springboks proved decisive. South Africa's ability to score four tries in the first half laid a foundation that Italy could not overcome, even with four second-half tries of their own.
The South African squad featured a blend of experience and fresh talent. Alongside captain Jesse Kriel, veterans like Handre Pollard, Eben Etzebeth, and Damian de Allende provided leadership and skill. Morne van den Berg, earning his third cap, was a standout with his two tries. The replacements, including Vincent Koch and Marco van Staden, made significant contributions, underscoring the depth of the Springboks' squad.
Italy, ranked tenth in the world as of June 30, 2025, fielded a side missing several frontline players but showed considerable improvement and resilience. Their forwards, led by Niccolò Cannone and Manuel Zuliani, fought hard, and their backs demonstrated attacking flair, highlighted by tries from Dimcheff and Cannone in the second half.
The victory keeps South Africa atop the World Rugby rankings with 92.78 points, maintaining their position as world champions. Italy, with 77.77 points, will look to build on this experience as they continue their international fixtures later in the year.
Looking ahead, the Springboks will face Italy again in their second summer test and then prepare for upcoming challenges against Georgia and other international sides. Italy will aim to carry the momentum from their second-half performance into future matches against Australia and other opponents.
Broadcasting of the summer internationals continues on FloRugby, providing fans in the United States and beyond the opportunity to follow these high-stakes encounters live and on replay.
This match was a vivid reminder of the Springboks' power and precision, tempered by Italy's growing competitiveness on the international stage. As the rugby season unfolds, both teams will have plenty to reflect on and build toward, with the world watching closely.
