The Springboks delivered a thunderous performance at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, blanking Italy 45-0 in a dominant second Test that erased any doubts left from their previous outing. Despite playing most of the game with 14 men following a Jasper Wiese red card, South Africa showed exactly why they’re the world champions — relentless, clinical, and unshakably composed.
Adding to the occasion was a special milestone for Willie le Roux, who earned his 100th Test cap in the green and gold. The veteran fullback was composed throughout, playing a key role in guiding a young and fiery backline on a memorable afternoon in Gqeberha.
From the opening whistle, the Boks looked fired up and focused. They tore into Italy with pace and power, crossing the line four times in the first half. Edwill van der Merwe was electric on the wing, grabbing two tries, while Grant Williams and Canan Moodie each added one of their own.
The red card to Wiese could have stalled momentum, but instead, it only seemed to intensify the Springboks’ resolve. Backed by a roaring crowd in Gqeberha, South Africa kept their foot on the gas, refusing to let Italy gain any sort of foothold.
Italy had no answers. Their set-piece faltered, their defensive lines were breached time and again, and their attack was completely shut down by South Africa’s disciplined defensive wall.
In the dying moments, Jan-Hendrik Wessels capped off the day with a determined try after a lengthy TMO review. While the scoreboard showed a rout, it was that final moment of effort — diving for the line in the 80th minute — that perfectly summed up the Boks’ performance: committed, intense, and unforgiving.
This match was more than a win. It was a celebration of excellence, grit, and a centurion’s legacy.
My Goat Sports 