Springboks player ratings vs Italy: One player scores 0/10

Saturday, 15 November 2025 at 14:36

bySteven Smith

Springboks player ratings vs Italy. One player scores 0/10 as South Africa powered to an impressive win against the Azzurri.

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South Africa overcame an early red card and a relentless Italian assault to secure a composed and commanding 32-14 victory on Saturday, further cementing their reputation as the sport’s most ruthless closers.

Down a man from the eleventh minute after Franco Mostert was sent off for a high tackle, the world champions leaned on defensive resilience, set-piece precision, and cold-blooded efficiency to subdue an Italian side that had plenty of opportunities but never truly believed they could finish the job.

Italy dominated large stretches of possession and territory in both halves, yet their lack of conviction in the red zone, compounded by repeated misfires from fly-half Paolo Garbisi, proved costly.

Garbisi missed multiple first-half penalties that might have put the hosts ahead while the Springboks were under pressure, allowing South Africa to weather the storm and eventually assert control.

Italy: 14

Tries: Capuozzo (64')
Cons: —
Pens: Garbisi (36', 42', 52')

Springboks: 32

Tries: van Staden (40'), van den Berg (59'), Williams (71'), Hooker (80')
Cons: Pollard (40', 60'), Libbok (72')
Pens: Pollard (33', 54')

Springboks player ratings vs Italy:

1. Boan Venter – 3

Unconvincing before being withdrawn inside the opening 40 minutes.

2. Johan Grobbelaar – 6

Willing to carry throughout but conceded two penalties. Like many of the fringe Springboks, he did little to push for a starting place. However, he did win a crucial turnover late on that indirectly led to the match-winning try.

3. Zachary Porthen – 3

Much the same as Venter. Struggled to impose himself.

4. Jean Kleyn – 6

Following Mostert’s red card, the Munster lock is almost certain to start against Ireland next weekend.

5. Franco Mostert – 0

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

6. Siya Kolisi (captain) – 5

Lasted longer than last week but was off after 45 minutes. Made minimal impact for the second game in a row.

7. Ben-Jason Dixon – 6

His first Test in almost a year was cut short after the red card reshuffle. Did little wrong before being replaced.

8. Marco van Staden – 6

Yellow-carded for an unnecessary shoulder charge and conceded another penalty shortly after returning. Other than those two moments of madness, he was very good.

9. Morne van den Berg – 7

The Springboks’ top tackler. Brought much-needed energy to a lethargic side and scored what proved to be the decisive try.

10. Handré Pollard – 7

Managed the game well in difficult conditions and kicked superbly from the tee. That said, his time as the first-choice No.10 appears to be over, with the two-time World Cup winner now arguably third in the pecking order.

11. Kurt-Lee Arendse – 5

Anonymous throughout.

12. Ethan Hooker – 6

Unconvincing and appeared off the pace before scoring a great try right at the end.

13. Canan Moodie – 6

Targeted heavily by Italy and conceded four turnovers. Did show quality to set up the match-winning try late on.

14. Edwill van der Merwe – 6

Forced off in the first half but returned after the break. One of South Africa’s more threatening backs on the day.

15. Damian Willemse – 8

Outstanding amidst the chaos. Covered huge amounts of ground in the backfield, claimed high balls he had no right to, and made more metres than any other Springbok.

Replacements – 10

For the second week running, the bench got Rassie Erasmus’ side out of trouble.

16. Gerhard Steenekamp, 17. Wilco Louw, 18. RG Snyman, 19. Ruan Nortje, 20. André Esterhuizen, 21. Kwagga Smith, 22. Grant Williams, 23. Manie Libbok