Erasmus hails brave, tough Italy after Springboks’ triumph

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus praised brave and tough Italy, who denied 42-24 winners South Africa the momentum they wanted in the second half of the first Test in Pretoria on Saturday.

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The Springboks, winners of the Rugby World Cup a record four times, controlled the first half, scoring four tries while conceding just a penalty for a 28-3 lead.

But Italy dominated the second half, scoring three tries to two as their inexperienced team, lacking many resting first choices, left Loftus Versfeld with their pride intact.

“Give Italy credit, they really buckled down. They left some big names at home, they were without several stars, while we had experienced men playing,” said Erasmus.

“We expected it to be a down-in-the-gutter fight, we knew they would man up and they certainly did, in all departments.