Arendse flies high at Loftus

15 Damian Willemse 8/10 Lively and solid at the back in his first Test back since 2023. Cut Italy's defence open with great sidestepping.

- BY FRANCOIS DE WET

14 Cheslin Kolbe 8/10 Kept the Azzurri defence busy and was tidy under the high ball. Did not get too many opportunities to score out wide.

13 Jesse Kriel 8/10 Led the team well in his first official Test as stand-in captain. Scored the opening try and defended well.

12 Damian de Allende 8/10 Gave the Springboks plenty of front-foot ball with powerful carries and set up the first try with a neat kick through.