South Africa intensity and Test-match theatre to blow Italy away and reclaim control of their season narrative, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane says the 45-0 win in Nelson Mandela Bay was less about romance – even on Willie le Roux’s 100th cap – and more about fire, physicality, and a clear statement of intent from a refreshed Springbok squad.
There was early drama as Jasper Wiese was red-carded in the 20th minute, halting a rare Test appearance alongside his brother Cobus. But the Boks never lost control, dominating physically and emotionally in a match packed with what Keohane calls “beautiful and brutal” rugby theatre.
“The opening three minutes was worth a book,” he writes, noting a surreal flurry that included an Italian prop’s kick, a Bok scrumhalf taking a lineout and Grant Williams scoring the first try – all before the clock hit four.
Keohane praises Williams for seizing the No 9 jersey, “the most charitable on offer in a Bok squad”, and singles out Canan Moodie at 13 and Ox Nche at loosehead for their statement performances. “Nche immediately destroyed his opponent at a scrum and the Boks scored a try from his initial action,” he writes.
Rassie Erasmus made 17 changes from the Pretoria Test, and the new-look team responded. “This season is about form and not historical pedigree,” Keohane insists.
The scoreboard showed 24-0 at half time, and the Boks kept Italy scoreless for 81 minutes, despite playing a man down.
“There was pleasure for the Boks in this win and only pain for the Italians,” Keohane concludes. “As it should be when playing in the Republic.”
Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images
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