Team Form and History

The Springboks, reigning World Champions, are entering this match with a dominant 54-7 victory over the Barbarians last weekend. This win has bolstered their confidence as they prepare to face Italy at Loftus Versfeld. Historically, the Springboks have been formidable against Italy, with only one loss in 16 encounters, a surprising defeat in 2016 under Allister Coetzee.

Italy, on the other hand, has shown significant improvement in recent years. In 2024, they achieved three victories against tier one nations, matching their best tally from 1997. Their 2025 campaign includes a crucial win against Wales, which helped them avoid the bottom spot in the Six Nations.

Key Players and Lineups

Springboks:

• Damian Willemse returns at fullback after recovering from injuries and a suspension. His presence adds depth to the backline.
• Jesse Kriel continues as captain in the absence of Siya Kolisi, who is sidelined with an injury.
• Eben Etzebeth extends his record for the most Springbok caps, now at 132, starting alongside Lood de Jager.

Italy:

• Niccolò Cannone leads the team as captain, aiming to replicate their recent successes.
• Giacomo Da Re and Alessandro Fusco are key players in the backline, providing creativity and speed.

Match Details

• Date: Saturday, July 5 at 5:10 PM CAT
• Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
• Referee: Hollie Davidson

How to Watch

The match will be broadcast on SuperSport, SABC 2, and SABC Radio, ensuring fans don’t miss any action.

Predictions

Given their current form and historical dominance, the Springboks are heavy favorites. However, Italy’s recent performances suggest they could pose a significant challenge. Expect a high-intensity game with both teams striving for victory.

Stats

• South Africa has won 16 of their last 18 matches.
• This will be the first encounter between these teams at Loftus Versfeld, where the Springboks have a 78% win rate.
• The last two matches between these teams saw South Africa win by over 40 points.

Conclusion

This Test match at Loftus Versfeld is set to be a thrilling encounter. With both teams in strong form, fans can expect a game filled with strategic plays, physicality, and moments of brilliance. Whether the Springboks continue their dominance or Italy pulls off an upset, this match is a must-watch for rugby enthusiasts.