Latest news with #MorneVanDenBerg
The Herald
06-07-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
Springboks secure commanding victory against Italy at Loftus
In the end South Africa prevailed largely because of their physicality and clinical finishing — and they could have scored more tries if it was not for Italy's resolute defending. It was a match that was not short of tries, with the Springboks scoring six and the visitors getting three. Handrè Pollard scored 12 points from the kicking tee. South Africa took the lead inside 10 minutes when outside centre Jesse Kriel, who was stand-in captain in the absence of Siya Kolisi, dotted down on the far-right corner. The try was only confirmed after a review by the TMO as there was suspicion that Kriel may have been offside, which was not the case. Italy suffered a blow after 22 minutes when loose-forward Lorenzo Cannone was sent to the sin bin for cynical play and the Boks took advantage immediately. They took the scrum that ended with the first international try for Morne van den Berg and increased their advantage a few minutes later when Kurt-Lee Arendse got the better of the Italian defence from a line-out. Shortly before the break the Boks took full control of the match when Van den Berg registered his second try of the afternoon by exploiting space on the edge of the set-piece. Italy finally got their first try shortly after the restart when Manuel Zuliani crossed over the line, with Giacomo Da Re converting as they narrowed the gap to 18 points.
The South African
06-07-2025
- Sport
- 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.
BBC News
05-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
South Africa hold off spirited Italy in Test opener
South Africa (28) 42Tries: Kriel, Van den Berg (2), Arendse, Koch, Van Staden Cons: Pollard (6)Italy (3) 24Tries: Zuliani, Dimcheff, N Cannone Cons: Da Re (3) Pen: Da Re World champions South Africa began their Test season with an entertaining 42-24 victory over a youthful Italy at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in 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 a blistering first-half performance, rapid wing Kurt-Lee Arendse also picked up a try to establish a 28-3 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 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 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 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. Line-ups South Africa: Willemse; Kolbe, Kriel (c), De Allende, Arendse, Pollard, Van den Berg; Nche, Marx, Louw, Etzebeth, De Jager, Van Staden, Tshituka, Mbonambi, Wessels, Koch, Snyman, Mostert, Smith, De Klerk, Le Trulla; Lynagh, Menoncello, Zanon, Gesi, Da Re, Fusco; Fischetti, Di Bartolomeo, Ferrari, N Cannone, Zambonin, Izekor, Zuliani, L Dimcheff, Spagnolo, Hasa, Canali, Vintcent, Odiase, Garbisi, Hollie Davidson (Scotland).
