
What time is kick off for Springboks' second Test?
It will be hoped that some of the 'rust' has now been shaken off, and that the Springboks will be back to their best for the second Test against the Azzurri in Gqeberha.
Kick off is once again at 17:10, and it should be remembered that this Test will be shown 'live' on both SuperSport and SABC.
Rassie Erasmus said the selectors would have to do some hard thinking before naming the second Test team: 'We have to pick nine guys to go with the others and we have to decide whether they start or come off the bench. Damian De Allende has a bit of a hamstring (strain) but luckily, we don't have any (serious) injuries, just a few bruised egos.'
The Springboks looked like they might have broken Italy's resistance with their fifth try at the start of the second half, but the visitors finished the game in fine fashion.
'It was a very frustrating game,' said Erasmus. 'We knew they would man up, and they certainly manned up in most departments; scrums, mauling, defence, attack – it was a proper Test match.
'When we were 28-3 up and we scored that try was disallowed for obstruction, I thought we might have them, but then we lost some momentum.
'I don't think we have too many excuses and it certainly makes the selection for next week interesting – they could easily have come back into it at the end. They performed really well – we definitely tried to impose our game on them, and they didn't allow it.
'The frustration was not only about not dominating, but also that the game was stop-start, stop-start. It felt like we didn't get any intensity in the second half.
'The positives are that we won; that we scored tricks even with a maul that didn't function, even with a breakdown that wasn't great on attack, even with a counterattack that wasn't awesome, we still scored six tries.'
WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE FIRST TEST PERFORMANCE FOR 2025?
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.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The South African
5 hours ago
- The South African
Ndlovu makes it 8 midfielders at Kaizer Chiefs
Remember him at Orlando Pirates? Siphesihle Ndlovu is back in Soweto to play for Kaizer Chiefs this time. The Pietermaritzburg-born star played 30 games for Matsatsantsa a Pitori last season and was rated as one of the best midfielders in the Betway Premiership. Kaizer Chiefs came calling for the 28-year-old former Maritzburg United number eight. 'Orlando Pirates give you R90 000, R100, 000 per month' Kaizer Chiefs' new signing Siphesihle Ndlovu. Image: @kaizerchiefs/X For a player under the age of 28, Ndlovu has quite an impressive number of top-flight games under his belt. Since his first team debut at Maritzburg United under Roger De Sa in 2016 and his ill-fated spell at Pirates, Ndlovu's experience reveals 229 matches as a pro. Kaizer Chiefs make exciting announcement So, how many options does Coach Nasreddine Nabi have in central midfield, including defensive midfielders? Yusuf Maart, 29 Thabo Cele, 28 Sibongiseni Mthethwa, 31 Edson Castillo, 31 Samkelo Zwane, 23 Siphesihle Ndlovu, 28. George Matlou and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo have made appearances in central midfield, but both players are primarily attacking midfielders. Thulani Mabaso, last season's outstanding DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) central midfielder, is currently under assessment in the Netherlands. Recent reports have strongly suggested that Castillo has left the club, subject to an official announcement. Additionally, Maart is said to be on his way to SV Ried in Austria. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.


The South African
7 hours ago
- The South African
'Orlando Pirates give you R90 000, R100, 000 per month'
The top-tier Betway Premiership club, Orlando Pirates, have announced no less than nine new signings at the Rand Stadium. The names are Yanela Mbuthuma, Masindi Nemtajela, Tshepang Moremi, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Tshepo Mashiloane, Sihle Nduli, Sipho Mbule and Oswin Appollis. Meanwhile, the club facilitated a special meeting between Orlando Pirates legends and the new arrivals. Kaizer Chiefs make exciting announcement Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza leads a press conference from Parktown, Johannesburg. Image: Sowetan Former club leaders Tebogo Moloi, Lucky Lekgwathi, Happy Jele, Edward Motale, and Innocent Maela made themselves available to address the newbies on what to expect at the mighty Orlando Pirates. Lee Miles spotted at Orlando Pirates According to Motale, one of the key messages he shared with the new players is the degree to which their personal lives and finances will take big turns. 'I'm qui te happy because the majority of them are still young, they still have three to four years with Orlando Pirates, you understand,' Motale told Soccer Laduma . 'Remember some of them are from Chippa, Baroka. We spoke to them about their behaviour on and off the field,' the former defender added. 'Also the money issue, because for example you're coming from Baroka, you're earning R10 000, here (at Orlando Pirates) they give you R90 000, R100, 000 (per month), you're going to go crazy! 'You also need to have control. It was a nice educational talk like fathers with sons,' Motale concluded. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

IOL News
7 hours ago
- IOL News
Peyper: Springboks seeking clarity over breakdown as second Italy test looms
Springbok laws advisor Jaco Peyper says the team have sought clarity from World Rugby over breakdown interpretations ahead of the second Test against Italy, while backing veteran fullback Willie le Roux to mark a special milestone if selected. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backapagepix Springbok laws and discipline advisor Jaco Peyper says the Boks have approached World Rugby's refereeing department for clarity on 'one or two things' ahead of Saturday's second Test against Italy — particularly around the breakdown, where the team was outplayed in the series opener. Peyper, the vastly experienced former referee who joined the Springbok setup in early 2024, was clear that the approach was part of a normal feedback process — not a complaint. 'First of all, the refereeing team here, led by Holly Davidson and company, have a great ethic,' said Peyper. 'They are people you can give feedback to, and they give it back. World Rugby encourages this. 'We had a few questions after last week's game, and they will give us honest feedback. Italy had a clear plan and executed it well, but we need to understand whether we need to adjust — and if we have to, we will.' Asked whether the onus lies with South Africa, Italy, or the referee to adjust, Peyper pointed to the importance of dominance in key areas. 'In rugby, when you carry dominantly and tackle dominantly, then the bit of grey sits with you. So the first thing we need to do is be dominant. 'But we also need to fix a few things and ensure we are showing the referee a picture that is easy to officiate — and not one that relies on too much interpretational management. 'It's a positive process. We're not bagging anyone. We learn from each other to create a better product.' Peyper, who officiated in 14 Rugby World Cup matches before taking up his new role, explained that the Springbok camp had taken a measured approach following the disappointing result. 'First, we must understand the performance. Was the plan good enough from the coaches? Did the players execute well enough? Then you assess the performance gap and how to fix it. 'We did that on Monday. We are facing a passionate and well-coached Italian team. We need to be up for the game and work hard this week to meet our own standards. 'We are a proud team, and that's why we were frustrated. There were too many individual errors, and when those stack up, they ruin continuity.' Peyper also praised veteran fullback Willie le Roux, who is poised to become only the eighth player in Springbok history to reach 100 Test caps, should he be selected in the match-day squad this weekend. 'I've worked with Willie since he was young. He sees things on the field that others don't. It's frustrating to see the criticism he receives at times. As a team, we're proud of him, and if he plays, we hope to make the occasion a special one.'