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Sloppy Boks' Second-Half Scare by Italy at Loftus
- On 5 July 2025 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, the Springboks beat Italy 42-24 in the first of two Tests in their 2025 season opener.
- The Springboks, led by coach Rassie Erasmus, fielded a squad including 13 players from their recent win over the Barbarians, while regular captain Siya Kolisi was out with injury.
- South Africa dominated the first half with a 28-3 lead, scoring six tries to three, but Italy’s young, experimental side outscored them 21-14 in the second half after a momentum shift early in that half.
- Key performances included Morne van den Berg’s two tries, Kurt-Lee Arendse’s outstanding try and defense, and Handre Pollard kicking six conversions to reach 784 career points in 81 Tests.
- Despite signs of second-half complacency and set-piece struggles, the Springboks extended their unbeaten home record against Italy and will host the second Test next Saturday in Nelson Mandela Bay.
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Sloppy Springboks beat brave Italy 42-24 in Pretoria
PRETORIA - South Africa laboured but still ran in six tries to secure a 42-24 victory over an inexperienced Italy side at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, as scrumhalf Morne van den Berg crossed the line twice in a stand-out performance. Read more at straitstimes.com.
·Singapore
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Springboks v Italy: Winners and losers as Rassie finally finds his nine and Italy drop their own 'bomb squad'
The Springboks wiped aside an underwhelming Italy at Loftus Versfeld today, as the world champions took victory in the opening match of their summer tests.
·Dunedin, New Zealand
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R 50%
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