As the Springboks prepare to square off against Italy for a second time this weekend, the mood in camp is clear: focused, honest, and quietly confident. At Monday’s press conference, assistant coach Jaco Peyper and seasoned prop Thomas du Toit didn’t mince their words. Italy earned their respect—but that respect doesn’t dilute the belief that the Boks will bounce back harder in Gqeberha.
Last weekend’s victory may have looked comfortable on the scoreboard, but both Peyper and Du Toit were quick to acknowledge that the Italians brought far more than many expected.
Credit to the Italians,” said Du Toit. “They’re a proud rugby nation, well-coached, and they came at us hard. We set high standards, and in some areas, we didn’t meet them.”
That honesty reflects a Springbok camp that isn’t interested in papering over cracks. Whether it was the challenge at the maul or the pressure moments in the breakdown, Peyper emphasised that they’re learning fast and adjusting faster.
It’s not about being unhappy. It’s about aligning with referees, with the laws, and making sure we’re dominant where it counts,” he said. “When you’re dominant in the contact, in the scrum, in the air—that’s when rugby becomes easier to referee and easier to control.”
And while questions were raised about officiating nuances, Peyper made it clear: there’s no blame game. The team is focusing on clarity, accuracy, and sharpening up where it matters.
Prepared for Gqeberha – and Beyond
This weekend’s Test in Gqeberha is more than just a rematch—it’s a chance to lay down a more complete performance.
Du Toit spoke of a team that reviews itself against its own benchmarks, not just the opposition:
We always ask: were we better than last week? And in some areas, no—we weren’t. But there’s no panic, no loss of belief. We’ve already addressed it, and the group is incredibly focused.”
Asked about conditions and the impact of altitude, Du Toit shrugged it off with confidence in their physical preparation:
We’ve had enough load and conditioning, thanks to Andy [Edwards]. We’ll be ready.”
The Message Is Clear: The Bounce-Back Is Coming
This Springbok team isn’t looking for excuses—they’re looking inward. And with a Test in Gqeberha on the horizon and the Barbarians looming just after, the timing couldn’t be better to find another gear.
“We’re not under any illusion,” said Du Toit. “Italy were good. But we’re better than what we showed. And we’re ready to show that this weekend.”
So while the scoreboard last week told one story, the real narrative is just beginning. Expect a sharper, more clinical Springbok outfit on Sunday—hungry to raise the bar and silence any murmurs of doubt.
