Captain Jesse Kriel says the Springboks are preparing for a tough week as they look to put right the wrongs of the 42-24 win over Italy at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
After a solid first half, the Bok performance regressed in the second 40 in Pretoria as the Azzurri outscored the world champions 21-14 to take some positives into next Saturday’s Test at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Speaking to SuperSport, Kriel said the visitors made life especially tough for them at the breakdown.
“We let ourselves down at the breakdown a bit. I thought they slowed our ball down pretty well. We obviously wanted to attack off quick ball there, but we couldn’t get that at stages in the game. But looking forward to the Test match next week. I think it’s set up nicely and lots of work for us to do before then.”
Captain Niccolo Cannone lauded how Italy showed up against the world’s top-ranked team.
“We had a lot of injuries, we were unlucky. But we have a lot of passion and we are a strong group so we’ll move forward for next week.
Many of the players in the Italian squad play in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, but Cannone says that doesn’t necessarily make it easier playing against the Springboks.
“Not easy because it’s South Africa in South Africa, but we know a lot of guys, we play against them throughout the year, but this is another type of game. When they put on the Springbok jersey, they’re different players.”
Kriel said, despite the performance, the Boks are still relishing being out on the field representing their country.
“We had a tough few weeks of pre-season here and the guys are really excited to be playing again. Just so special being back at Loftus, it’s a very special ground and we love playing rugby here in front of our home fans.”
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It wasn’t plain sailing, but the #Springboks have opened the 2025 season with a victory in Pretoria – more here: https://t.co/n5es0YaO45
#ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvITA pic.twitter.com/LnY3JI0vjG
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 5, 2025
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
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