Sloppy Boks beat Italy in Witbank
Photo on File
The Springboks beat a competitive Italian side 29-13 in Witbank. Giving the Italians their best ever result over the current World Champs, South Africa.
The Boks showed only a few moments of brilliance as Bryan Habana, Morne Steyn, Francois Louw and Zane Kirchner scored tries for the Boks. Morne Steyn converted 3 of the tries and also slotted a penatly.
Italy dominated territory and possession most of the first half but showed only a penalty for all their efforts. They scored their only try in the 62minute and followed that up with a penalty minutes later.
Most of the Boks’ match was dominated by handling errors, poor passes and spilled balls from the back of rucks, mauls and scrums.
Coach Peter de Villers didn’t look happy with Butch James as he received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Italian #15 Mclean.
One positive that coach Peter de Villiers can take out of the match is the scrums. Guthro Steenkamp demolished Castrogiovani from Italy and he was subbed early in the first half after what looked like a rib injury.
Captain Victor Matfield said: “It is a step backwards after last week against the French and we will have to step up for next week in East London”.
He was also very happy with the scrums but acknowledged all the basic errors from the team.
Scorers:
South Africa
Tries: Habana, Steyn, Louw, Kirchner
Cons: Steyn(3)
Pens: Steyn
Italy
Tries: Parisse
Cons: Bergamasco
Pens: Bergamasco(2)
[james@rugby15.co.za]
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