-
Boks during training
Rugby World Cup champions, South Africa, continued where they left off last season, recording a victory in their opening test match of the 2025 international season.
Centre Jesse Kriel became the Springboks 67th test captain and he celebrated the occasion, scoring his side’s first try in their 42-24 victory over Italy at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday evening.
They outscored the visitors by six tries to three with scrumhalf, Morne van den Berg dotting down twice.
But the Springboks, who led 28-three at halftime, were unconvincing in the second half, allowing the Azzurri to stage a fight back.
The bench had very little impact and it’s something coach Rassie Erasmus will address before the two teams meet again next Saturday in Gqeberha.
It wasn’t plain sailing, but the #Springboks have opened the 2025 season with a victory in Pretoria – more here: 👏#ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvITA pic.twitter.com/LnY3JI0vjG
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 5, 2025
