South Africa vs Italy live: Result and reaction as Springboks hold off late Azzurri charge

“There will be disappointment in tonight’s performance,” Springboks scrumhalf Faf de Klerk said. “Italy really made it hard for us at the breakdown, their forwards were phenomenal. We must look at it in the week and fix it for the next game.”

The game was a fiercely contested battle from start to finish with both teams showing moments of brilliance mixed with uncharacteristic errors.

The Springboks demonstrated their trademark power and tactical savvy, especially in key attacking phases – while Italy showed great resilience and capitalized on their opportunities particularly in the second half.

The physicality and intensity of the match made for a gripping spectacle, but handling errors and penalties disrupted the flow at times.

South Africa’s decision to bring on fresh reserves injected new energy helping them maintain control late in the game.

Italy’s relentless attitude kept the contest alive and their late pressure inside the Springboks’ 22-metre zone hinted at a possible upset. In the end it was South Africa’s ability to withstand the pressure and execute under the high stakes proving decisive at the final whistle.

80 mins: The Italians believe they’d scored another try, but the referee instead awards a penalty to the home side who quickly tap and launch the ball high into the night sky to close out the game.

77 mins: Alessandro Izekor is shown a yellow card and sent to the sin-bin for cynical play in the build-up to the try, leaving his team a player short at a crucial moment.

This disciplinary action could have significant consequences as the pressure mounts on his side.

The Italians are set to have the final opportunity in the game after being given the feed inside the Springboks’ 22-metre zone.

74 mins: The defence can’t hold up under the pressure as Marco van Staden breaks free from the tackle and charges unstoppable over the try-line.

68 mins: Opportunistic from the Azzurri! The Azzurri strike again rapidly, forcing a turnover near the try-line with Niccolo Cannone powering straight through to score the try.

TMO search for any double movement roll from Niccolo Cannone and they rule the try to be all one movement and Italy are right back in the game.

Bok’s struggle to contain the ruck and Italy pounce on the opportunity to score another try. Giacomo De Re adds the extras again.

65 mins: A debut try for Dimcheff. The South Africans kept retreating and Pablo Dimcheff broke away like a splinter to secure a much-needed try for Italy.

Italy are really competing in the second-half, Springbok’s will be looking to improve their performance as we head into the final 15 minutes.

It’s been far from clinical for the Springbok’s this second half.

Giacomo De Re converts the try

63 mins: Italy is now controlling solid possession deep inside the Springboks’ 22-metre area. Good execution of line out time for the Azzurri with a good strong formation after.

61 mins: Cheslin Kolbe was really tight in the defence and the try is considered a no try for the unlucky Azzurri.