The Springboks delivered a commanding 45‑0 victory over Italy in Gqeberha, sealing the series in celebration of Willie Le Roux.
The Springboks delivered a clinical performance to crush Italy at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, finishing their two-Test series with a 2‑0 sweep.
Their emphatic victory also commemorated Le Roux’s 100th Test in the green and gold, with the fullback again delivering a reliable display on home soil.
After a flat and disappointing showing at Loftus Versfeld last week, South Africa responded decisively. They dominated territory and possession from the first whistle, outclassing the Azzurri both physically and tactically throughout the match.
The game also marked important milestones for rising stars Cobus Wiese, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, and Ethan Hooker, who all made memorable contributions on their respective Springbok debuts.
Van Der Merwe Shines, Wiese Has Brain Implosion
The return of Edwill van der Merwe paid instant dividends as the winger bagged a brace, while strong efforts from Grant Williams and Canan Moodie built an unassailable 24–0 halftime lead.
Van der Merwe, back in the Test fold after 13 months out, looked razor-sharp. In the 16th minute, he sprinted down the flank to finish a sustained multi-phase assault. Just 16 minutes later, he scored again – this time under the posts – securing his third Test try in only his second cap.
That early dominance was briefly threatened when Jasper Wiese was shown a red card in the second quarter for a headbutt on Italian prop Danilo Fischetti.
Despite being a man down, the Boks didn’t buckle. Instead, Rassie Erasmus reshuffled his pack: Ox Nche replaced Thomas du Toit, and Andre Esterhuizen operated in a hybrid loose-forward role to keep South Africa dominant in the scrum.
Breakdown, Battle, And Tactical Precision And Innovation Key To Winning
The Boks improved drastically in areas they struggled last week, especially at the breakdown. The return of Pieter-Steph du Toit, paired with the aggression of Marco van Staden, helped the Boks control the contact zone and slow Italian ball.
Their tactical innovation was also on display. A clever midfield maul, borrowed from a Paul Roos Gymnasium U14 team, caught Italy completely off guard. The move – executed via a lifted jumper off a general play pass – set up a try for Canan Moodie and another for Malcolm Marx, who powered over for his 22nd Test try.
Late Flourish Seals Rout
Italy failed to capitalise on their periods of numerical advantage. Even after Wilco Louw received a yellow card for a head clash with Sebastian Negri, South Africa continued to control the game.
Makazole Mapimpi got his name on the scoresheet in the final quarter, drawing cheers from the 45,000-strong Port Elizabeth crowd.
Replacement hooker Jan-Hendrick Wessels added the final blow, scoring in the corner after the full-time hooter. Flyhalf Manie Libbok, after missing his first two conversion attempts, slotted five of seven to round off a convincing win.
What’s Next For Springboks?
The Springboks face Georgia in Nelspruit for their final outing before the Rugby Championship.
After this commanding win, they’ll head to Mbombela Stadium riding a wave of confidence.
