Springboks hold off Italy 42-24 at Loftus
The Springboks led 28-3 at halftime, dominating every facet. But even the 'bomb squad,' which entered to a roar of acclaim, could not press home the advantage into a scoreline their fans are used to against the Azzurri.
Advertisement
The depleted Italians stunned with a comeback that unleashed three converted tries with two more tries ruled out. They got within 11 points of South Africa until Marco van Staden crashed over with seven minutes to go.
Even that didn't temper Italy's fire, with the visitor attacking in South Africa's 22 at fulltime.
The Springboks averaged 49 points in their last three matches against Italy and set themselves up for another rout. They largely retained the strong side which whipped the Barbarians 54-7 last weekend. The Boks bench, alone, had more caps than Italy's entire matchday 23.
Italy struggled to find 23 fit players. The warmup win over Namibia cost them two players, and a fifth player went home early during the past week when seven more frontline players were hurt in training.
Advertisement
Coach Gonzalo Quesada reluctantly picked a 6-2 forwards-heavy bench to combat the Springboks bomb squad, gave international debuts to four players including both hookers, and named scrumhalf Alessandro Fusco as the flyhalf backup if Giacomo Da Re was injured.
___
AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby
The Associated Press
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
40 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Traore strike edges Mali past Tanzania at Wafcon
Mali finished fourth at the 2018 Wafcon but failed to qualify for the 2022 edition [BackPage Pix] A goal in first-half stoppage time by Saratou Traore was enough for Mali to edge a tight Group C encounter against Tanzania as both sides began their campaigns at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. In a game of contrasting styles, the Malians' extra pace and power ultimately won out against the pass-and-move tactics of their East African opponents, whose patient approach play lacked a cutting edge. Advertisement Played in a largely empty stadium in Berkane, it was an encounter that struggled to set pulses racing. The only goal came in the first minute of stoppage time at the end of the first half, with midfielder Traore firing low into the net from just inside the penalty area as Tanzania failed to properly clear a free-kick. The Female Eagles had the better of the chances throughout the match, with Aissata Traore, who finished the match with her head wrapped in a white bandage, wasting several presentable opportunities. The West Africans join South Africa on three points in Group C after the defending champions beat Ghana 2-0 earlier on Monday. Advertisement Tanzania, who have now lost all four of their games at Wafcon finals, will have a chance to improve their record when they face South Africa in Oujda on Friday (19:00 GMT), while Mali remain in Berkane to take on Ghana earlier the same day (16:00 GMT). Absentees hurt Tanzania Returning to Wafcon after a 15-year absence, Tanzania would have hoped to call on three of their overseas stars - Clara Luvanga, Opa Clement and Aisha Masaka - for this opening game. Instead, the lowest-ranked side in Group C saw Brighton & Hove Albion forward Masaka drop out of the pre-tournament training camp with a knee injury, Al-Nassr striker Luvanga was listed as absent, as opposed to injured, on the pre-match teamsheet and Opah, who plays in Mexico, was suspended. Advertisement Coach Bakari Shime described the situation as "a major problem" in his press conference after the game. When they were on the front foot in the game, diminutive playmaker Diana Msewa was at the heart of the Twiga Stars' best work, looking especially bright on the ball in the early stages. But as the red skies above the Berkane Stadium darkened, Mali began to get a grip on proceedings. First Saratou Traore hooked wide after bundling her way into the box, before a slaloming run from Aissata Traore got the few fans in attendance on their feet, even if she ultimately dwelled too long on the ball and found herself crowded out by defenders. Advertisement Fatoumata Diarra then saw a long-range effort parried by Tanzania goalkeeper Najiati Idrisa, with Kadidiatou Diabate unable to convert the follow-up. But Saratou Traore made no mistake with her goal, showing composure to keep a first-time effort down as it dropped invitingly into space after several bodies contested a set piece swung in from the right-hand touchline. Tanzania had to wait until added time in the second half for their best opportunity, only to see Mali defender Aicha Samake put her body on the line to block a goal-bound shot from substitute Elizabeth Chenge. That challenge ensured Mali, who finished fourth at the 2018 finals, kept their first ever Wafcon clean sheet, while also winning their opening game for the first time. Advertisement Tanzania, East Africa's only representative at the tournament, may play with admirable style, but will have to find a way to add some incision to their game if they hope to prolong their stay in Morocco.
Washington Post
an hour ago
- Washington Post
Mulder lets 'legend' Lara keep record 400 so SA can begin bowling out Zimbabwe twice
BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe — Wiaan Mulder sacrificed a shot at one of cricket's most hallowed records to start mopping up Zimbabwe in the second test at Queens Sports Club on Monday. The first-time captain of South Africa was on 367 — just 33 runs shy of Brian Lara's world record 400 not out set 21 years ago — when he stopped his epic innings and declared with South Africa on 626-5.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Tim Tebow, Demi-Leigh Tebow welcome baby daughter
Tim Tebow and his wife Demi-Leigh are now parents. The couple announced on social media on Monday that their daughter was born on Sunday. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] 'We can't wait to share her name with you soon,' Demi-Leigh said in a post on her Facebook page. The couple first announced their pregnancy in January. Tim Tebow grew up in the Jacksonville area, playing football for Nease High School before becoming the quarterback for the Florida Gators. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] His NFL history includes stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, New York Jets and the Denver Broncos. Demi-Leigh is from South Africa. She was crowned Miss Universe in 2017. The couple got married in 2020. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
