"0/10" - FIVE Springboks starters who FLOPPED against Italy

While the result reinforced the Springboks’ reputation as clinical finishers, several starters failed to make an impact, leaving the team reliant on the bench for key contributions.

Franco Mostert’s red card in the 11th minute left the world champions a man down, forcing South Africa to lean heavily on defensive resilience, set-piece precision, and cold-blooded efficiency. Despite Italy having opportunities, they were never able to capitalize, highlighting the Boks’ ability to control games under pressure.

However, for the second consecutive week, several starters struggled to find form, offering little to no influence on the match and underscoring that not all members of the starting XV were up to the challenge.

A quiet outing for the wing, Arendse contributed mainly on defense and never returned after the break due to a failed HIA. He failed to make an impact in attack or create significant opportunities.

Rugby Pass: "Totally anonymous. This just wasn’t a game for a freewheeling winger to shine."

RUCK: "Anonymous throughout."

Rugby365: "It was a very quiet outing for the wing. Most of his work was done on defence, and he never returned to the field after the break due to a failed HIA."

Venter struggled in the scrum and failed to assert the usual Springbok front-row dominance. Substituted midway through the first half, he briefly returned due to an injury to his replacement but immediately conceded a penalty.

Rugby Pass: "It wasn’t only his fault, but he failed to provide that South African trademark grunt in the scrum. Perhaps the Boks’ stocks in the front row aren’t as deep as we’ve come to believe. Subbed for Gerhard Steenekamp midway through the first half. Got a second bite when Steenekamp suffered a head knock, but coughed up a penalty with his first scrum back on the pitch."

RUCK: "Unconvincing before being withdrawn inside the opening 40 minutes."

Porthen had a difficult day in the scrum and was replaced before the 20th minute as the coaching staff sought stability. He showed limited influence in his brief involvement.

Rugby Pass: "Struggled in the scrum and looked exposed in patches. Hooked before the 20th minute. What will that do to the young man’s confidence? Replaced by Wilco Louw."

RUCK: "Much the same as Venter. Struggled to impose himself."

FloRugby: "A tough day at scrum time, and he withdrew early as Rassie Erasmus sought stability. Limited chance to influence the game, though carried strongly in his brief involvement."

Rugby 365 5.5, Rugby Pass 5, FloRugby 5

Dixon’s contribution was curtailed after Mostert’s early red card. He worked hard defensively but was sacrificed for an early reshuffle, limiting his impact.

Rugby 365: "He got sacrificed in the 13th minute after Franco Moster’s red card. He looked busy around the park while he was on the field."

FloRugby: "Part of the early reshuffle after the red card. Worked hard defensively and played his role in stabilising the pack, but the early substitution limited his overall involvement and makes rating his contribution a challenge."

Rugby Pass: "Some meaty runs around the corner in his first Test in over a year. Was the unfortunate player sacrificed after Mostert’s red card, replaced by Ruan Nortje on 13 minutes. It was hard not to feel sorry for him."

Mostert’s red card in the 12th minute dominated the narrative. Despite contributing early, his reckless high tackle left South Africa under pressure and overshadowed any positive impact.

Rugby 365: "Received a permanent red card for a high shot on Paolo Garbisi in the 12th minute. The officials deemed that there was no wrap while attempting the tackle."

FloRugby: "His red card shaped the match. The call looked harsh given the mitigation, but it still left South Africa under major pressure. Contributed well beforehand, but the sanction overshadowed his outing."

RUCK: "Some may feel James Doleman’s call was harsh, but it was ultimately a reckless and avoidable red card."

Rugby Pass: "For the second week in a row a South African lock was shown a red card for a high shoulder shot. Was there contact with Paolo Garbisi’s head? That will be debated in the weeks to come. There is a more pressing matter here. Springbok fans and coaches can complain about conspiracy theories and a lack of consistency, but this is clearly an issue that needs immediate redress. It’s just not good enough at this level and the players and the entire management team need to take responsibility."