South Africa vs Italy live: Latest score and updates as Springboks take on Azzurri in rare meeting | OneFootball

South Africa are back in international action (Getty Images)

The Springboks face Italy in a rare meeting on South African soil as the world champions begin their international action for 2025 in earnest.

South Africa looked in an ominous mood as they thrashed the Barbarians in a non-capped outing last weekend, though the intensity will ratchet up in this fully-fledged Test. Games against Italy and Georgia perhaps represent a slightly lower stakes July than Rassie Erasmus and his side are used to but a team of winners are unlikely to let their level slip. Jesse Kriel leads the hosts in the absence of Siya Kolisi with plenty of other double World Cup winners for company in the matchday 23.

They will be expecting a tricky affair against an ever-improving Italy, even with the Azzurri missing a few key figures themselves. Gonzalo Quesada’s men beat Namibia in the first leg of their trip to southern Africa and will be looking to carry that momentum into the first of back-to-back meetings with the Springboks.

Follow all of the latest from Pretoria with our live blog below:

Kick-off approaching

Both teams get ready to make their way to the field as anthems are belted out. The mighty Springboks are ready to go to battle against the Italians.

Ciara Fearn5 July 2025 16:08

South Africa set sights on another big win over Italy

Counting their recent victory over the Barbarians, South Africa have come out on top in 16 of their last 18 games.

While the Springboks have hosted Italy seven times before, this upcoming clash marks their first meeting at Loftus Versfeld - a venue where the Boks boast a 78% win rate.

South Africa’s dominance over Italy has been evident in recent encounters, winning their last two matchups by convincing margins: 49-3 in 2019 and 63-21 in 2022.

Players to keep an eye on

South Africa: All eyes will be on Vincent Tshituka as he makes his official Test debut with a particular focus on his defensive contributions.

Meanwhile, Damian Willemse returns to the No. 15 jersey for the first time since the 2023 World Cup Final. A consistent performer for the Stormers, he'll be looking to elevate his impact on the international stage.

Italy: Although missing several key players, Italy still boasts dangerous threats out wide in Simone Gesi and Louis Lynagh - both known for their blistering pace and ability to exploit space.

Another matchup to watch is the midfield clash between Jesse Kriel and Tommaso Menoncello, which promises to be a highlight of the contest.

Ciara Fearn5 July 2025 16:00