HIGHLIGHTS | SOUTH AFRICA v ITALY | July Internationals 2025

SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC

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South Africa asserted their physical dominance from the opening whistle, thrilling a packed Cape Town Stadium in this July Internationals 2025 clash against Italy. The Springboks started with fierce intensity, pinning the Azzurri deep in their own half and turning early pressure into points when Cheslin Kolbe finished a sweeping move in the right corner. Handré Pollard’s assured boot stretched the advantage, and a rampaging carry from Duane Vermeulen laid the platform for Damian Willemse to ghost through midfield for the Boks’ second try. Italy replied through Paolo Garbisi’s penalty to stay in touch, yet the hosts went to the break 17-3 ahead after Eben Etzebeth’s towering line-out work smothered every Italian exit.

The second half opened with renewed Italian ambition. Ange Capuozzo ignited their backline, finishing a slick counterattack that narrowed the gap to 17-10 and momentarily silenced the green-and-gold faithful. South Africa, however, re-established control at the set-piece, winning two scrums against the head and milking penalties that again allowed Pollard to keep the scoreboard moving. Malcolm Marx then produced his trademark rolling-maul try from a five-metre line-out, restoring a comfortable buffer and reminding the visitors of the Springboks’ forward power.

Italy refused to fold and enjoyed their best spell midway through the half, with Sebastian Negri and Lorenzo Cannone punching holes around the fringes. A crucial Willie le Roux cover tackle denied Tommaso Menoncello a certain score, and moments later a turnover by Siya Kolisi flipped momentum. Fresh legs from the South African bench—most notably RG Snyman and Grant Williams—turned defence into attack, culminating in a length-of-the-field try finished by Kolbe for his brace.

The closing stages showcased the Springbok pack at full throttle. Successive driving mauls drained the clock, while a late Pollard drop-goal underlined South Africa’s territorial stranglehold. Italy’s final surge was repelled by a double tackle from Pieter-Steph du Toit and Marx, sealing a statement victory.

South Africa ran out 35-13 winners, with Kolbe named Player of the Match for his clinical finishing and high-ball excellence. The result keeps the Springboks unbeaten in the July Internationals 2025 series and offers valuable momentum as they look ahead to the Rugby Championship. Italy leave with positives—particularly their expansive passages sparked by Capuozzo—but must shore up their set-piece and breakdown accuracy before the autumn Tests.

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