In a spirited display of power, precision, and panache, the Springboks bounced back in emphatic fashion to thrash Italy 45-0 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, sealing the two-Test series 2-0 and delivering a fitting tribute to Willie le Roux in his 100th Test match.
After a stuttering performance in Pretoria the previous week, the Boks were out to make a statement—and did so in dominant fashion. The Azzurri were left with nothing but bruises and frustration as South Africa ran in seven tries and held the visitors scoreless for the first time since 1998.
Van der Merwe Takes Centre Stage
Edwill van der Merwe, back in the green and gold after over a year, was electric on the wing. The 28-year-old dotted down twice in the opening half and played with an infectious energy that lifted the entire backline. His second try, a result of a perfectly weighted kick from Manie Libbok and a favourable bounce, had the 45,000-strong Gqeberha crowd on their feet.
I’m just grateful for the opportunity again,” Van der Merwe said post-match. “This jersey means everything to me, and to do it here at home with the fans cheering—that’s special.”
Grant Williams opened the scoring after some clever interplay from Mapimpi and Van der Merwe, while Canan Moodie showcased his raw power with a barnstorming finish before half-time. Libbok, despite two early misses, recovered to slot five conversions and orchestrated play with increasing confidence.
Red Card? No Problem
The Springboks had to navigate most of the match with 14 men after No. 8 Jasper Wiese saw red in the 21st minute for a headbutt on Italian prop Danilo Fischetti. But Rassie Erasmus’ men didn’t skip a beat. Andre Esterhuizen filled in as a hybrid loose forward, and Ox Nché’s early introduction paid immediate dividends in the scrum battle.
Sometimes it’s in adversity that you see a team’s true character,” said head coach Rassie Erasmus. “We didn’t just cope—we adapted and thrived.”
Despite their man advantage, Italy never looked like scoring. Errors, ill-discipline, and a rampant Bok defence shut down every opportunity. To compound their woes, the Azzurri also saw yellow cards for Fischetti and David Odiase.
Marx and Mapimpi Join the Party
The second half started much like the first, with South Africa applying relentless pressure. Malcolm Marx powered over from a clever midfield maul—a hallmark of Erasmus’ tactical ingenuity—while Makazole Mapimpi reminded everyone why he’s one of the game’s most prolific finishers, touching down in the 72nd minute after slick interplay from a line-out move.
Jan-Hendrik Wessels, one of three debutants alongside Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Ethan Hooker, closed the game in style with a try after the hooter.
Seeing the new guys step up and deliver—it just shows the depth we’re building,” said Pieter-Steph du Toit, who was monumental at the breakdown alongside Marco van Staden.
Le Roux’s Milestone
In his 100th Test, Willie le Roux was calm, clinical, and creative at the back. The veteran fullback orchestrated attacking phases, produced crucial territorial kicks, and nearly set up Van der Merwe for a hat-trick, only to be denied by a forward pass.
“He’s been the glue in this backline for years,” noted Moodie. “Willie is a leader, and to send him off with a win like this—it’s what he deserves.”
Statistical Snapshot
- Tries: Van der Merwe (2), Williams, Moodie, Marx, Mapimpi, Wessels
- Conversions: Libbok (5/7)
- Cards: Wiese (red, SA), Louw (yellow, SA), Fischetti & Odiase (yellow, ITA)
- Debutants: Ntlabakanye, Hooker, C. Wiese
Final Word
From tactical ingenuity to raw physical dominance, the Springboks ticked almost every box in this performance. The only blot—a familiar one—is discipline, with Wiese’s red card once again highlighting the team’s need to better manage controlled aggression.
Still, it was a night to remember in Gqeberha. The Springboks will now shift focus to their one-off Test against Georgia in Mbombela next Saturday—the final tune-up before the Rugby Championship kicks off.
If Saturday’s performance is anything to go by, this Bok team is warming up just fine.
