Latest news with #DamianWillemse
Japan Today
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Japan Today
Springboks hold off Italy 42-24 at Loftus
South Africa's Damian Willemse, bottom right, vies for the ball with Italy's Tommaso Menoncello, top right, during a rugby championship test match between South Africa and Italy, at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) rugby union The blowout expected from world champion South Africa didn't eventuate as it scratched out a 42-24 win over Italy at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. 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. 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. 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. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The South African
05-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
LIVE SCORING: Springboks v Italy at Loftus
The Springboks have set their sights on a strong start to a busy international season, and the first test will come against underdogs Italy at Loftus on Saturday. The match kicks off at 17:10 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport. SA record against Italy: Played 16; Won 15; Lost 1; Points for: 764, Points against: 195; Tries scored 102, Tries conceded 16; Highest score 101-0; Biggest win 101 points. Win % 94%. Date: Saturday, July 5 Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Kick-off: 17:10 Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland) Assistant referees: Matthew Carley (England), Andrew Brace (England) TMO: Andrew Jackson (England) Miscellaneous: The Springboks have played Italy seven times in South Africa, but this will be the first Test between the sides at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, where the hosts have a 78% win record (32 wins from 41 Tests). Eben Etzebeth will extend his record as the most capped Springbok to 132 caps when he takes the field. Damian Willemse will play his first match for the Springboks since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand, which the Boks won 12-11. Should Willie le Roux take the field, it will mark his 99 th Test match for the Springboks, putting him in line to become only the eighth Springbok centurion in history. He made his Test debut against Italy in Durban in 2013. Test match for the Springboks, putting him in line to become only the eighth Springbok centurion in history. He made his Test debut against Italy in Durban in 2013. The Springboks have faced Italy 16 times and won 15 of those matches. Their only defeat was in Florence in 2016 where Italy pipped the Boks by 20-18. In the 15 matches the Springboks have won against Italy, they only scored fewer than 30 points on three occasions. The total Test caps for the Springbok starting line-up is 738 . . There are 351 caps in the backline, with 377 caps among the forwards. On the bench there are a further 466 caps. caps in the backline, with caps among the forwards. On the bench there are a further caps. The average caps per player in the backline is 50, the forwards 47, while the players on the bench average 58. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named a squad that feature 13 players who defeated the Barbarians 54-7 in Cape Town, and with regular Springbok captain Siya Kolisi out after picking up a niggle last week, Jesse Kriel retains the captaincy. Springbok team to face Italy – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel (c), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche. Bench: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Franco Mostert, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Faf de Klerk, 23 Willie le Roux. 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.
IOL News
04-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
All eyes on Damian Willemse after last wearing Springboks' jersey during 2023 victory parade
FILE - The last time Damian Willemse was seen in a Springboks jersey was during the trophy parade for winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. Image: PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP The last time South Africans saw Damian Willemse in a Springbok jersey was during the early part of the 2023 Rugby World Cup victory parade through the streets of South Africa. Nobody could get Willemse out of the kit he wore with much distinction during that World Cup-final win over the All Blacks. It was probably only after the stench of the kit got to the players on the bus that it decided he needed a fresh outfit. Unfortunately, Willemse hasn't worn the Springboks jersey since sustaining a couple of injuries that kept him out of the entire 2024 international season. The jersey he cherishes so much was taken away from him. A lot has changed since Damian Willemse last wore the No 15 jersey, as the Sharks' Aphelele Fassi having a breakout 2024 to put him top of the list as far as the fullback berth is concerned. Veteran Willie le Roux is also still going strong and is on the cusp of his 100th Test in the green and gold. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Fassi made eight starts at fullback in Willemse's absence in 2024 after seemingly leapfrogging Le Roux as the Boks first-choice No 15. 'The Weekend Special' - a nickname Fassi earned because his surname is similar to South Africa's music legend Brenda Fassie - played in most of the big matches for the Boks. He faced the All Blacks in Johannesburg, Argentina in the Rugby Championship decider in Mbombela and featured in the big November Test against England at Twickenham. Fassi also started in the season opener against the Barbarians as Willemse was still serving a suspension for a dangerous tackle while playing for the Stormers in a United Rugby Championship match. But this weekend, against Italy at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, Willemse will finally feature again in a Bok jersey after almost 20 months. Willemse certainly knows he is going to be in the spotlight after Fassi's bright performances. But the Strand-born player is keen to make up for lost time. 'I'm looking forward to it, very excited. Lots of nerves as well, it's my first Test match in a couple of years since the World Cup final,' Willemse told SuperSport TV this week ahead of the Italy clash. 'A lot has changed, especially at the international level. The rest of the boys who have played in the position have done an excellent job. They have set the standard. 'For me, coming in, I know there will be a lot of eyes on me. But I'm just focussed on my primary job. Hopefully I can have a good game.' Fassi has proven to be a lethal counter-attacking player in the new era of the Boks' offensive play. He cut the line beautifully last season, while he showed off his attacking kicks in the wet against the BaaBaas. But Willemse will also welcome the Boks' new style of play as a lethal runner from the back himself. The Stormers man has wonderful anticipation and can also slip in flyhalf to distribute when needed.
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Six Boks who will want to make a big statement against Italy
From regulars to young bucks, six Springboks are in need of strong performances at Loftus on Saturday. Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg has another big chance to make the No 9 jersey his own this weekend. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images As the Springboks play their first of two Test matches against Italy at Loftus on Saturday (kick-off 5.10pm), we look at six players who will need to deliver strong performances. The match follows the Springboks' 54–7 win against the Barbarians last week and is the first competitive fixture of the season. The team sees outside centre Jesse Kriel become the 67th official captain of the Boks after Siya Kolisi's unavailability because of an injury. Damian Willemse The 27-year-old starts the game at fullback after Aphelele Fassi played the full match against the Barbarians. We gave Fassi an 8/10 in our player ratings for kicking brilliantly on the day last weekend. Two of his kicks into space led to tries, while he managed the high ball well. Willemse can kick well but is known more for his ball carrying and evasive runs. He will want to shine in these areas to remind the team and his coach of what he brings to the table. This will be his first outing since the 2023 World Cup final, following a 2024 season of injury setbacks. With so many quality No 15s around the battle is well and truly on to be the first-choice pick. Damian Willemse. Picture:Handré Pollard A stalwart in the Springbok squad, Pollard is still a dependable goal-kicker going into his 11th year of international rugby. The 31-year-old flyhalf also missed the Barbarians match last weekend and will want to follow on from the good performances by Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Manie Libbok, especially in front of the posts (Libbok slotted all five of his kicks). The competition for the No 10 Bok jersey is as intense as it's ever been. Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard. Picture: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images Morné van den Berg At 27, Van den Berg is the youngest scrumhalf in the squad. He was threatening in his runs and quick with the feed until he was substituted in the second half last week in Cape Town. Winning just his third Test cap, Van den Berg will want to continue to impress with the attacking play that made him shine for the Lions and earn his Springbok call-up. Faf de Klerk, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, and Jaden Hendrikse will all have eyes on the No 9 jersey. Jasper Wiese Though a regular in the side, Wiese finds himself in a battle for a place among the No 8s. Cameron Hanekom and Juarno Augustus are out injured, and Jean-Luc du Preez, who was selected for the Barbarians Test, is also recovering from a small knock to his head, so the sizeable Wiese returns to the starting XV while Kwagga Smith will resume his utility backup role from the bench. That while the much-talked-about Evan Roos waits on the sidelines for a poor performance that may result in his opportunity. Jasper Wiese. Picture: Hans van der Valk/Wilco Louw Nominated for the URC's SA Player of the Year Award, the 30-year-old tighthead has been in great form this season and gets a chance because the experienced Frans Malherbe is sidelined. The revival of his international career has coincided with his prodigious work in the scrums. But while Louw earned much recognition on the domestic front with the Bulls, he still needs to make a lasting impact for the Springboks, especially with tightheads Vincent Koch, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Thomas du Toit and Neethling Fouché in the background. Wilco Louw. Picture: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images Vincent Tshituka The Boks' only debutant of the day, 26-year-old Tshituka was applauded by coach Rassie Erasmus for his 'phenomenal' work rate during his 80-minute performance that included two tries against the Barbarians. Born in the DRC, Tshituka and his brother Emmanuel have spent years waiting to become eligible for the Springboks, delivering standout performances first for the Lions and now the Sharks — until now. The specialist blindside flanker grasped his opportunity with both hands last week, but will need to do so again in his first official Test on Saturday. Vincent Tshituka was excellent against the Barbarians last week and will make his first Test cap against Italy on Saturday. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The South African
03-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Confirmed: Upcoming Springbok game to be shown 'live' on SABC
Earlier this week, SA Rugby confirmed that there would be a significant announcement involving SuperSport and the SABC, and in relation to the Springboks. It's now been confirmed that both SuperSport and SABC will air a 'live' broadcast of the Springboks' second Test against Italy on 12 July at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, commemorating 30 years since the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup in 1995. Although this announcement will certainly be celebrated by SABC viewers, it remains to be seen whether this will be a one-off affair, or indeed open the doors for more Springbok games to be shown on the national broadcaster in the future. The Springboks will get their international season under way against Italy at Loftus this Saturday. The match will kick off at 17:10, and will be broadcast only on SuperSport. 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. Springbok record against Italy: Played 16; Won 15; Lost 1; Points for: 764, Points against: 195; Tries scored 102, Tries conceded 16; Highest score 101-0; Biggest win 101 points. Win % 94%. Miscellaneous: The Boks have played Italy seven times in South Africa, but this will be the first Test between the sides at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, where the hosts have a 78% win record (32 wins from 41 Tests). Eben Etzebeth will extend his record as the most capped Springbok to 132 caps when he takes the field. Damian Willemse will play his first match for the Springboks since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand, which the Boks won 12-11. Should Willie le Roux take the field, it will mark his 99 th Test match for the Springboks, putting him in line to become only the eighth Springbok centurion in history. He made his Test debut against Italy in Durban in 2013. Test match for the Springboks, putting him in line to become only the eighth Springbok centurion in history. He made his Test debut against Italy in Durban in 2013. The Springboks have faced Italy 16 times and won 15 of those matches. Their only defeat was in Florence in 2016 where Italy pipped the Boks by 20-18. In the 15 matches the Springboks have won against Italy, they only scored fewer than 30 points on three occasions. The total Test caps for the Springbok starting line-up is 738 . . There are 351 caps in the backline, with 377 caps among the forwards. On the bench there are a further 466 caps. caps in the backline, with caps among the forwards. On the bench there are a further caps. The average caps per player in the backline is 50, the forwards 47, while the players on the bench average 58.
