The Springboks will take on Italy today, Saturday, 5 July 2025, in a much-anticipated Test match at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
Springboks vs Italy teams and kick off time
The match forms part of the Castle Lager Incoming Series and is the first of two Tests against the Azzurri.
Kick off is scheduled for 17:00 SAST.
This match marks a special occasion for Jesse Kriel, who will lead the team as the 67th captain in Springbok history.
Kriel, who has 79 caps, acknowledged the significance of the moment, saying:
“There have certainly been a few career highlights in the past, and this occasion is up there with those.”
Kriel will be backed by several seasoned players including Eben Etzebeth, who will earn his 132nd cap, extending his record as the most capped Springbok. Meanwhile, Vincent Tshituka is set to make his Test debut in the flanker position.
The Springboks’ starting line-up includes familiar names such as Damian Willemse, who returns to the team for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final. Handre Pollard will take up the fly-half duties with 772 points to his name from 80 Test appearances.
Italy enters the match with a squad featuring a blend of youth and experience. Their backline includes Jacopo Trulla and Louis Lynagh, while forwards like Niccolò Cannone and Simone Ferrari will be central in the physical battle.
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick warned against underestimating Italy:
“They are a well-organised team, and the way they balance their game between the forwards and backs makes them a tough opponent.”
Springboks vs Italy prediction
Based on historical data, the Springboks hold a commanding record against Italy. They have played 16 times, with South Africa winning 15 of those matches. Italy’s sole win came in 2016 in Florence, where they edged the Boks 20-18.
When it comes to scoring, the Springboks have managed 764 points compared to Italy’s 195 across these encounters. On average, South Africa scores close to 48 points per game against Italy, while conceding only about 12.
Loftus Versfeld has traditionally been a stronghold for the Springboks, boasting a 78% win rate. Although this will be the first time the Boks face Italy at this venue, their overall dominance in South Africa and current form suggest they are well-positioned to secure another victory.
Taking into account the 738 combined caps in the starting line-up and a further 466 on the bench, the Springboks bring a depth of experience that the visiting Italian side may struggle to counter.
While Italy’s efforts to build squad depth and bring in fresh talent are commendable, the Springboks’ physicality, experienced core, and home advantage give them the upper hand.
Prediction: Springboks to win by a margin of 25 points or more.
Teams:
South Africa:
Damian Willemse, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel (capt), Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Handre Pollard, Morne van den Berg, Jasper Wiese, Vincent Tshituka, Marco van Staden, Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche.
Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Faf de Klerk, Willie le Roux.
Italy:
Jacopo Trulla, Louis Lynagh, Tommaso Menoncello, Marco Zanon, Simone Gesi, Giacomo Da Re, Alessandro Fusco, Lorenzo Cannone, Manuel Zuliani, Alessandro Izekor, Andrea Zambonin, Niccolò Cannone, Simone Ferrari, Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, Danilo Fischetti.
Replacements: Pablo Dimcheff, Mirco Spagnolo, Muhamed Hasa, Matteo Canali, Ross Vintcent, David Odiase, Alessandro Garbisi, Giulio Bertaccini.
