Scrumhalf Morne van den Berg scored a brace of tries as the Springboks out-muscled Italy at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, in the first match of a two-Test series.
The Springboks backed up their massive win over the Barbarians with another victory, running in five tries to beat the Azzurri 42-24 in Pretoria. But it was far from the quality of performance usually associated with the world champions and coach Rassie Erasmus will be demanding a far more polished showing next week.
Although there may have been some issues, the Boks defaulted to traditional strengths with the forwards dominating the set pieces and feeding off Italian mistakes. It was an industrial, albeit unspectacular performance that steered the Boks to victory.
Jesse Kriel became the 67th Springbok captain and celebrated in style by dotting down a Damian de Allende grubber in the 11th minute. Referee Hollie Davidson awarded the try despite Kriel appearing to have been in front of the kicker – on review, the TMO determined there was no clear evidence of offside.
Lekker Kaptein Kriel
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The Boks didn’t have it all their own way in the first half, with the Azzurri putting in a spirited defensive effort characterised by some monster hits. But cynical play on their own line saw Italy lose influential No 8 Lorenzo Cannone, and almost immediately concede a try – scored by Van den Berg.
Winger Kurt-Lee Arendse scored a spectacular try off a lineout, and Van den Berg added his second of the night to make sure the Boks we into the sheds with a comfortable 28-3 lead. Handre Pollard was perfect from the kicking tee, converting all four tries.
Another one for KLA
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It was however the Azzurri who came out stronger in the second half, with flanker Manuel Zuliani scoring Italy’s first try of the night.
MORE: Junior Boks captain hails ‘unbelievable defence’
Replacement tighthead, Vincent Koch, scored his first try in the green and gold to restore the Boks’ 25-point advantage, but Italy hit back shortly afterwards with a try on debut for Pablo Dimcheff, followed by one for captain Niccolo Cannone which reduced the deficit to just 11 points.
Flanker Marco van Staden scored the sixth and final try for the Boks as they wrapped up the victory.
The second and final Test in this mini-series takes place at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha next Saturday.
Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images
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