By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit:Themba Hadebe.
The World Champions Springboks ran in six tries to secure a 42-24 victory over an inexperienced Italy side at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday.
Captain Jesse Kriel gave the Springboks the perfect start in the 11th minute before scrum-half Morne van den Berg, playing only his third international, scored twice.
In a blistering first-half performance, rapid wing Kurt-Lee Arendse also picked up a try to establish a 28-3 lead.
After the break though, Italy slowed the green tidal wave, benefiting from debutant Vincent Tshituka’s try being ruled out for obstruction, and reducing the arrears with a score from hooker Manuel Zuliani.
Replacement Vincent Koch bundled in for South Africa, but the visitors stormed back and were only denied a try by a brilliant saving tackle from Arendse on Simone Gesi.
The Azzurri were not finished, however, as Pablo Dimcheff scored with 15 minutes to go and captain Niccolo Cannone forced his way through to set up a dramatic conclusion.
A try from flanker Marco van Staden with eight minutes left finally halted the revival, as the Springboks closed out the win.
However, the home side’s vulnerability in the second half offered hope to their rivals in a summer that includes two Test matches each against Australia and New Zealand.
The second and final Test in this mini-series takes place at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha next Saturday.
Kriel said the visitors made life especially tough for them at the breakdown.
“We let ourselves down at the breakdown a bit. I thought they slowed our ball down pretty well. We obviously wanted to attack off quick ball there, but we couldn’t get that at stages in the game. But looking forward to the Test match next week. I think it’s set up nicely and lots of work for us to do before then.”
Captain Niccolo Cannone lauded how Italy showed up against the world’s top-ranked team.
“We had a lot of injuries, we were unlucky. But we have a lot of passion and we are a strong group so we’ll move forward for next week.
Many of the players in the Italian squad play in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, but Cannone says that doesn’t necessarily make it easier playing against the Springboks.
“Not easy because it’s South Africa in South Africa, but we know a lot of guys, we play against them throughout the year, but this is another type of game. When they put on the Springbok jersey, they’re different players.”
Kriel said, despite the performance, the Boks are still relishing being out on the field representing their country.
“We had a tough few weeks of pre-season here and the guys are really excited to be playing again. Just so special being back at Loftus, it’s a very special ground and we love playing rugby here in front of our home fans.”