Springboks beat Italy: Who said what after scrappy Loftus Test
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
There was plenty of reaction after the Springboks' scrappy victory over Italy. Here is what was said at Loftus after the dust had settled.
Springboks captain Jesse Kriel on their struggles at against Italy at the breakdown
"We knew from the beginning of the week that it would be a tough battle. We know the Italians are a passionate rugby nation and they showed that tonight," Kriel told SuperSport TV after the match.
"It was a tough Test match, but I was happy with the win. But there is a lot to work on. In the first half we started pretty strong, but in the second half they defended like their lives depended on it.
"We let ourselves down at the breakdown a bit. I thought they slowed our ball down quite well - we obviously wanted to attack off quick ball."
Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg on scoring two tries and playing behind the Bok pack
"It was special to do that (score a brace) and I'm very happy with the victory. It's truly amazing. It's my first time playing here (at Loftus) for the Boks and I must say it's something unbelievable," Van den Berg told SuperSport TV after the match.
"Unbelievable. To see those boys do their work, it's a massive privilege to be here, I got the best view in the house. It's a real privilege."
Faf de Klerk on his Springboks comeback and Van den Berg's performance
"It's an amazing honour and a blessing. I really enjoyed it. Obviously just grateful to be back in the set-up and hopefully we can string a lot more good performances together," De Klerk told SuperSport TV.
"Morne is a fantastic player, I'm just happy he is taking the opportunities he is getting. He is doing really well for the Lions and showing his quality now.
"He is a great guy and he wants to learn. It's always great to have such a guy in the squad.
"I think there is going to be disappointment after tonight's performance. There was a lot of good stuff and a few bad things, things we can work on.
"Credit to Italy, they really made it hard for us, especially at the breakdown. I thought their forwards were phenomenal tonight and it's something we must look at in the coming week before the next Test."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
eNCA
an hour ago
- eNCA
Erasmus hails brave, tough Italy after Springboks victory
PRETORIA - Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus praised brave and tough Italy, who denied 42-24 winners South Africa the momentum they wanted in the second half of the first Test in Pretoria on Saturday. The Springboks, winners of the Rugby World Cup a record four times, controlled the first half, scoring four tries while conceding just a penalty for a 28-3 lead. But Italy dominated the second half, scoring three tries to two as their inexperienced team, lacking many resting first choices, left Loftus Versfeld with their pride intact. "Give Italy credit, they really buckled down. They left some big names at home, they were without several stars, while we had experienced men playing," said Erasmus. "We expected it to be a down-in-the-gutter fight, we knew they would man up and they certainly did, in all departments. "We tried to impose our game, but they just would not allow it. They defended very well, they were certainly gutsy and they turned up the heat in the second half. "We would have different guys knocking-on, we missed lineout jumps and throws, and there were just a helluva lot of mistakes. "I would love to pinpoint why, but luckily it is all fixable. The first 10 minutes of the second half were very stop-start and we just did not feel we could get our intensity. "We tried to get our speed up but there were so many stoppages, and after those breaks, Italy switched on immediately, which we could not do, which is obviously a concern. "Italy threw a lot of physicality at us, they made 130 tackles in the first half but did not break in the second half, which shows they are very fit and passionate. "But our physicality and intensity were not where they should have been. It was very frustrating after the week went well, us coaches felt the team were into it, they were nice and physical," added Erasmus. Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada said with so many old heads back at home, his team had to show plenty of courage to spoil the more experienced Springboks' plans. "We have 17 players not here so it was very important for us to be brave and fully commit to a big game in defence," the former Argentina fly-half said. "Our really excellent 'jackals' had to recover balls and stop their attacks, and we also had to stop their carries from hurting as much as they can. "I am so proud because the Springboks came hard at us and we showed a lot of effort and commitment. I am proud for a huge amount of reasons. "Maybe we did not believe enough in ourselves in the first half and did not try the things we prepared. So the players were made aware at half-time that they could do much better. "The way our leaders handled the second half was really critical and our 'grenade squad' did really well when it came off the bench. "I am very happy that we did not concede a try from the mauls because that is one of the Springboks' strengths," Quesada added.
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Springboks Player Ratings v Italy: Who FIRED, Who FLOPPED
The Springboks put in an underwhelming display to beat Italy 42-24 at Loftus on Saturday evening. The Springboks defeated Italy 42-24 on Saterday at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. Thus losing ground to the All Blacks in the latest World Rankings. They started off clinical and polished, raising to a 28-3 lead at half-time. However, it was the second half in particular that will have left Rassie Erasmus, fans and players alike frustrated and disappointed. Morne Van Den Berg – 8/10 Van Den Berg scored a brace of tries to cap off a well-rounded all-round performance at nine for the Springboks. He provided quick ball and kicked accurate contestable box kicks. Handre Pollard – 8/10 Pollard distribution was silky smooth all afternoon. Meanwhile, his decision making (knowing when to kick or run). Also, was excellent off the tee, kicking six from six conversions. So, the experienced Bok pivot reminded us why he is the Boks first-choice flyhalf. Kurt-Lee Arendse – 8.5/10 Arendse scored a beautiful try and was a nightmare for Azzuri players all day. Thereafter, he made a miraculous try saving tackle forcing His scintellating speed put tremendous pressure on the Italian back three. Furthermore, he was astute defensively too. Honourable mention: Vincent Tshitshuka (7.5/10) – he was a nuisance at the breakdown and once again showed his versatility in open play. He made his tackles when needed and came close to scoring on his debut before having his try canceled for an obstruction from Ox Nche. It was a solid test debut for the elusive Sharks flanker. Bongi Mbonambi – 4/10 Bongi had one of his most poor showings for the Springboks in recent memory. He missed three line-out throws and all-round lacked his usual drive and passion. All round, the 'Bomb Squad' failed to make the impact they usually do. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Updated world rankings after every Test this weekend
During an action-packed weekend of Test rugby, the Springboks got the job done with a 42-24 victory against Italy, and that ensures there aren't too many major changes at the top of the world rankings. South Africa could not improve their ranking points with a win over 10th-placed Italy, but a shock loss could have seen either France or New Zealand move to top spot. In the end, the second-placed All Blacks did improve their tally by 0.62 points after picking up a hard-fought victory over a weakened France team. Saturday, 5 July Japan 24 Wales 19 New Zealand 31 France 27 South Africa 42 Italy 24 Georgia 5 Ireland 34 Chile 40 Romania 16 Argentina 12 England 35 Sunday, 6 July USA 36 Belgium 17 Australia 21 Fiji 18 1 South Africa 92.78 2 New Zealand 90.98 3 Ireland 89.83 4 France 88.90 5 England 86.72 6 Argentina 82.98 7 Scotland 82.36 8 Australia 82.08 9 Fiji 79.52 10 Italy 77.77 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
