South Africa took on Italy in Genoa at Stadio Luigi Ferraris and entered the game knowing not to underestimate their opponents. The Springboks went hard from the start of the game with Kurt-Lee Arendse stunning with a try in the first two minutes of play. 

A good start to the game set the team up to build momentum throughout but not without a fight. The Italians fought back, pursuing and gaining a 5-point lead after a try from Ange Cappuozo and a conversion followed by a penalty goal by Tommaso Allan in the 21st minute of the game, this being the only time the Italians led the charge.

The first half ended with a comeback from the Springboks seeing them lead the game 18-13. The first five minutes of the second half saw a try from Cheslin Kolbe which set the team up for even greater momentum. Unfortunately for Kolbe, he limped off the field due to what seemed like a hamstring injury thereafter. 

Overall, the Springboks saw great performances from individuals as Libbok also scored his first points in Test Rugby slotting five kicks at goal. 

Springbok coach, Jacque Nienaber, stated; “It was a big game for us as we needed to get our winning momentum back, for the reality is that we went into this game with a record of nil wins out of four if you factor in the South Africa A performances.”

Next weekend, the Springboks take on England in their final game of their end of year tour in London.

Try Scorers:

Springboks:

Tries: Kurt-Lee Arendse 2, Bongi Mbonambi, Cheslin Kolbe, Kwagga Smith, Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff, Damian Willemse, Cobus Reinach

Conversions: Cheslin Kolbe, Manie Libbok 5

Penalties: Cheslin Kolbe 2

Italy:

 Try: Ange Capuozzo, Niccolò Cannone

Conversion: Tommaso Allan

Penalties: Tommaso Allan 3

Kayla Barker/OFM Sport