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IOL News
09-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Siya Kolisi brings calmness to Springboks' attacking breakdown when chaos wants to prevail
Italians tend to fume when Americans or Tik Tok influencers from other countries around the world butcher their pasta and spaghetti recipes. They normally go nuts when they see people breaking their spaghetti to 'fit' into a pot before cooking it. For Italians, it's sacrilege to break the pasta, use too much garlic or add ketchup to a dish. They are the experts when it comes to creating great pasta and pizza dishes. They view the rest of the world's Italian cooking as pure chaos. The Springboks feel the same way about the set-pieces and the breakdown in rugby. They are the masters of the physical elements of the game and the rest of the world, well, puts ketchup in their bolognese sauce. But on Saturday we saw a second-string Italian team go head-to-head with the Bok team in the physical stakes in the first Test at Loftus Versfeld, where they were outstanding in disrupting the home side's flow. They caused a lot of chaos at the breakdown when the Springboks were on attack, going really low in the tackle before slowing the ball down with some counter-rucking and street-smart rolling away. This led to the Boks having to commit more players into the rucks, because their cleanouts were rather ineffective. Scrumhalf Morne van den Berg even had to try and protect the ball against the Italian stealers at some points in the game, which also didn't help with some of his clearing off the base. It was clear the Springboks wanted to up the tempo, but the Italians stuck to their task and kept the Boks from really hitting their stride and blowing them away on the day. But the Boks actually have a player sort out their attacking breakdown problems. But it seems like we're not going to see him anytime soon. This week, for the second Test in Gqeberha, the Springboks will still be without their head chef when it comes to their attacking breakdown. The player who knows how to counter the dark arts and brings the parmesan cheese to make sure the Bok backs are served up a feast. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Captain Siya Kolisi is still missing from the Springboks matchday line-up after missing the Springboks' first two matches against the Barbarians and Italy with a neck issue and an Achilles niggle. As an openside, many people still rate Kolisi on the amount of steals he makes at the breakdown when the opposition has the ball. But Kolisi doesn't really play as a true opensider, but rather as a hybrid loosie, who can fulfil various roles. The Springboks have plenty of players who can steal the ball at the breakdown, such as forwards Malcolm Marx, Jasper Wiese and centre Damian de Allende. But it's clear on Saturday that they needed someone who can look after the ball. Kolisi's true value is actually protecting the Boks' ball on attack, by hitting multiple rucks when the South Africans are in possession. Over the last few years he has been used as a ball-carrier in the wide channels, but, as a No 6, making sure the Boks get clean, quick ball is his primary job. The Springboks definitely missed his influence against Italy. The breakdown was total chaos and the Boks didn't seem to know how to respond to Italy flooding that area to slow down or steal their ball. But Kolisi, whenever he gets back on the park, is going to bring that calmness and accuracy, which should allow the Bok team to create the platform for their dangerous outside backs to prosper. For now, though, a player such as openersider Marco van Staden needs to fill Kolisi's void and try and prevent the Italians from causing more chaos in the Bay this weekend. @JohnGoliath82
IOL News
07-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Springboks have plenty of homework to complete ahead of second Test against Italy
Player of the Match Morne van den Berg of South Africa battled to get clean ball at the breakdown against Italy at Loftus Versfeld this past weekend. Photo: Timothy Bernard Independent Media Image: Timothy Bernard Independent Media Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus did not mince his words in the post-match press conference following his side's unconvincing 42-24 victory over a spirited Italy at Loftus Versfeld. Erasmus conceded that the performance had not met the world champions' standards — and there's little doubt the players received a stern dressing-down in the change room. So what can we expect to change from the Boks in this week's second Test? 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 Next Stay Close ✕ Clean up the breakdown Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada outwitted the Boks at the breakdown — and he did it with precision. The Azzurri committed numbers and played with ferocity, frequently blasting the Boks off the ball or slowing it down. Without quick ball, the Springboks' attacking ambitions faltered. Expect Monday's training to be breakdown-focused, with a clear directive to restore order at the ruck. Play with width Against Italy, the Boks reverted to a more direct style, likely influenced by the opposition and the absence of key players. But the Tony Brown-influenced approach relies on width and tall, powerful carriers in the wider channels. The return of Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit this week will likely see them deployed as wide ball-carriers to stretch the defence and create space. The Italians scored a try from a line-out-maul against the Springboks. Photo: Timothy Bernard Independent Media Image: Timothy Bernard Independent Media Shore up the maul defence A 20-metre rolling maul try from Italy? That's not a sight many would expect to see. The Springboks' pride will have taken a hit when their vaunted pack was driven backwards. It may have stemmed from a technical lapse — but whatever the cause, it's unlikely to be repeated. This week, the lineout and maul defence will be a non-negotiable focus. Marco van Staden scores for the Springboks. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Play for 80 minutes South Africa looked poised for a rout at 28-3 up at half-time, but they failed to sustain their dominance. Italy fought back and narrowed the deficit to just 11 points late in the match. Erasmus admitted in his presser that playing for only 50 to 60 minutes is unacceptable at Test level. You can be sure that this message will be delivered with added bluntness in the first team meeting of the week. Rg Snyman of South Africa. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Fire up the Bomb Squad For once, the Bomb Squad misfired — and they'll know it. Quesada's so-called 'Grenade Squad' outmuscled the South Africans off the bench. The Boks' replacements take great pride in their impact, and their collective pride will have been wounded. Expect a fierce response from the bench this week, with a renewed intent to dominate the final quarter. Erasmus and his coaching team have plenty to address — but also plenty of firepower returning to the mix. In front of a passionate Eastern Cape crowd, the Boks will be desperate to reassert their dominance and silence any lingering doubts.
The Advertiser
05-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Sloppy Springboks struggle to see off battling Italy
South Africa laboured but still ran in six tries to secure a 42-24 victory over an inexperienced Italy side at Loftus Versfeld, as scrumhalf Morne van den Berg crossed the line twice in a stand-out performance. The world champions were sloppy and often beaten at the breakdown and line-out as Italy put up a brave fight and heading into the final 10 minutes were still in the match against their vastly more experienced hosts. Jesse Kriel, winger Kurt-Lee Arendse, prop Vincent Koch and flanker Marco van Staden also scored tries for the Springboks, who will seek an improved performance in next week's second test in Gqeberha. Italy looked shellshocked as they trailed 28-3 at halftime, but they were much improved in the second period as flanker Manuel Zuliani, debutant replacement hooker Pablo Dimcheff and captain Niccolo Cannone all scored tries. "There will be disappointment in tonight's performance," Springboks scrumhalf Faf de Klerk said. "Italy really made it hard for us at the breakdown, their forwards were phenomenal. We must look at it in the week and fix it for the next game." South Africa were dominant in the first half, pushing Italy off the ball in the scrum and scoring four tries. Kriel raced onto a grubber kick from midfield partner Damian de Allende to dot down and after Italy number eight Lorenzo Cannone received a yellow card for hands in the ruck, Van den Berg dived over from a powerful Springbok scrum. Arendse burst through a gap in the visitors' defence to score his side's third try, and Van den Berg added another as the Springboks cut holes in their opponents' defence. Italy scored the first points of the second half when Zuliani stretched to score a try, but replacement prop Koch barged his way over for the hosts. Argentine-born Dimcheff finished off an excellent driving maul for Italy's second try, and when captain Niccolo Cannone added as third for the visitors, it was game on. Van Staden's score ended Italian hopes, but there were many positives for touring side. "I am very happy with the performance," Niccolo Cannone said. "We have to improve some details for next week, but we are very proud." South Africa laboured but still ran in six tries to secure a 42-24 victory over an inexperienced Italy side at Loftus Versfeld, as scrumhalf Morne van den Berg crossed the line twice in a stand-out performance. The world champions were sloppy and often beaten at the breakdown and line-out as Italy put up a brave fight and heading into the final 10 minutes were still in the match against their vastly more experienced hosts. Jesse Kriel, winger Kurt-Lee Arendse, prop Vincent Koch and flanker Marco van Staden also scored tries for the Springboks, who will seek an improved performance in next week's second test in Gqeberha. Italy looked shellshocked as they trailed 28-3 at halftime, but they were much improved in the second period as flanker Manuel Zuliani, debutant replacement hooker Pablo Dimcheff and captain Niccolo Cannone all scored tries. "There will be disappointment in tonight's performance," Springboks scrumhalf Faf de Klerk said. "Italy really made it hard for us at the breakdown, their forwards were phenomenal. We must look at it in the week and fix it for the next game." South Africa were dominant in the first half, pushing Italy off the ball in the scrum and scoring four tries. Kriel raced onto a grubber kick from midfield partner Damian de Allende to dot down and after Italy number eight Lorenzo Cannone received a yellow card for hands in the ruck, Van den Berg dived over from a powerful Springbok scrum. Arendse burst through a gap in the visitors' defence to score his side's third try, and Van den Berg added another as the Springboks cut holes in their opponents' defence. Italy scored the first points of the second half when Zuliani stretched to score a try, but replacement prop Koch barged his way over for the hosts. Argentine-born Dimcheff finished off an excellent driving maul for Italy's second try, and when captain Niccolo Cannone added as third for the visitors, it was game on. Van Staden's score ended Italian hopes, but there were many positives for touring side. "I am very happy with the performance," Niccolo Cannone said. "We have to improve some details for next week, but we are very proud." South Africa laboured but still ran in six tries to secure a 42-24 victory over an inexperienced Italy side at Loftus Versfeld, as scrumhalf Morne van den Berg crossed the line twice in a stand-out performance. The world champions were sloppy and often beaten at the breakdown and line-out as Italy put up a brave fight and heading into the final 10 minutes were still in the match against their vastly more experienced hosts. Jesse Kriel, winger Kurt-Lee Arendse, prop Vincent Koch and flanker Marco van Staden also scored tries for the Springboks, who will seek an improved performance in next week's second test in Gqeberha. Italy looked shellshocked as they trailed 28-3 at halftime, but they were much improved in the second period as flanker Manuel Zuliani, debutant replacement hooker Pablo Dimcheff and captain Niccolo Cannone all scored tries. "There will be disappointment in tonight's performance," Springboks scrumhalf Faf de Klerk said. "Italy really made it hard for us at the breakdown, their forwards were phenomenal. We must look at it in the week and fix it for the next game." South Africa were dominant in the first half, pushing Italy off the ball in the scrum and scoring four tries. Kriel raced onto a grubber kick from midfield partner Damian de Allende to dot down and after Italy number eight Lorenzo Cannone received a yellow card for hands in the ruck, Van den Berg dived over from a powerful Springbok scrum. Arendse burst through a gap in the visitors' defence to score his side's third try, and Van den Berg added another as the Springboks cut holes in their opponents' defence. Italy scored the first points of the second half when Zuliani stretched to score a try, but replacement prop Koch barged his way over for the hosts. Argentine-born Dimcheff finished off an excellent driving maul for Italy's second try, and when captain Niccolo Cannone added as third for the visitors, it was game on. Van Staden's score ended Italian hopes, but there were many positives for touring side. "I am very happy with the performance," Niccolo Cannone said. "We have to improve some details for next week, but we are very proud."
eNCA
05-07-2025
- Sport
- eNCA
Van den Berg strikes twice as Boks beat Italy
PRETORIA - Scrum-half Morne van den Berg scored two tries as Rugby World Cup title-holders South Africa beat Italy 42-24 in Pretoria on Saturday in the first of two Tests. It was a game of two halves with the Springboks using their scrum power to score four tries and build a 28-3 lead by half-time in front of a near-capacity crowd at the 52,000-capacity Loftus Versfeld. But much-improved Italy outscored the record four-time World Cup winners by three tries to two in the second half despite fielding an experimental team with numerous first choices remaining in Europe. Victory continued the 100 percent record of South Africa when hosting Italy, but it was the second smallest winning margin in eight Tests since 1999. The other Springbok try scorers were captain and centre Jesse Kriel, winger Kurt-Lee Arendse, replacement prop Vincent Koch and flanker Marco van Staden. It was a special moment for tighthead Koch when he barged over as he notched his first try for South Africa while winning his 62nd cap. The outstanding try came from Arendse, who raced through the Italian defence from midfield to score after Test debutant Vincent Tshituka won a lineout. Veteran fly-half Handre Pollard slotted all six conversions, raising his total for the Springboks to 784 points in 81 Tests. Flanker Manuel Zuliani, replacement hooker Pablo Dimcheff on debut and captain and lock Niccolo Cannone scored tries for the Azzurri. Fly-half Giacomo Da Re kicked three conversions and a penalty for Italy, whose starting line-up included only five of the team beaten by Ireland in their last 2025 Six Nations Championship match. When Da Re converted the Cannone try with 11 minutes remaining, there were only 11 points between the teams, raising the possibility of a stunning victory for the visitors. But the Springboks put the outcome beyond doubt on 74 minutes when Van Staden powered his way over the line and Pollard maintained his perfect record from the kicking tee. The second Test is scheduled for Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha next Saturday.
Perth Now
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Sloppy Springboks struggle to see off battling Italy
South Africa's Morne van den Berg scored two tries as the Springboks fended off Italy in Pretoria. (AP PHOTO) South Africa's Morne van den Berg scored two tries as the Springboks fended off Italy in Pretoria. (AP PHOTO) Credit: AAP South Africa laboured but still ran in six tries to secure a 42-24 victory over an inexperienced Italy side at Loftus Versfeld, as scrumhalf Morne van den Berg crossed the line twice in a stand-out performance. The world champions were sloppy and often beaten at the breakdown and line-out as Italy put up a brave fight and heading into the final 10 minutes were still in the match against their vastly more experienced hosts. Jesse Kriel, winger Kurt-Lee Arendse, prop Vincent Koch and flanker Marco van Staden also scored tries for the Springboks, who will seek an improved performance in next week's second test in Gqeberha. Italy looked shellshocked as they trailed 28-3 at halftime, but they were much improved in the second period as flanker Manuel Zuliani, debutant replacement hooker Pablo Dimcheff and captain Niccolo Cannone all scored tries. "There will be disappointment in tonight's performance," Springboks scrumhalf Faf de Klerk said. "Italy really made it hard for us at the breakdown, their forwards were phenomenal. We must look at it in the week and fix it for the next game." South Africa were dominant in the first half, pushing Italy off the ball in the scrum and scoring four tries. Kriel raced onto a grubber kick from midfield partner Damian de Allende to dot down and after Italy number eight Lorenzo Cannone received a yellow card for hands in the ruck, Van den Berg dived over from a powerful Springbok scrum. Arendse burst through a gap in the visitors' defence to score his side's third try, and Van den Berg added another as the Springboks cut holes in their opponents' defence. Italy scored the first points of the second half when Zuliani stretched to score a try, but replacement prop Koch barged his way over for the hosts. Argentine-born Dimcheff finished off an excellent driving maul for Italy's second try, and when captain Niccolo Cannone added as third for the visitors, it was game on. Van Staden's score ended Italian hopes, but there were many positives for touring side. "I am very happy with the performance," Niccolo Cannone said. "We have to improve some details for next week, but we are very proud."
