Shrugging off a tough opening-round performance in Wales, the South Africans delivered a ruthless, high-tempo display built on dominant set-piece foundations and clinical finishing out wide. Outscoring the Azzurre six tries to four, the Springbok Women showcased remarkable tactical maturity and resilience to pull away late in the contest, securing a major statement victory on foreign soil.
First-Half Blitz Puts South Africa in Control
Italy struck first when Alyssa D'Inca finished off a slick handling sequence in the corner, but the Springbok Women quickly asserted their physical dominance. Forward Anushka Groenewald powered over for her debut Test try off a relentless lineout drive. Just four minutes later, Byrhandré Dolf sliced through the Italian defensive line following a dynamic run by Jakkie Cilliers, extending South Africa's lead to 14-5.
South Africa kept their foot on the gas, with Groenewald crashing over for her second try from a massive 20-meter rolling maul. Moments later, Libbie Janse van Rensburg executed a deft chip kick following a quick tap restart from Unam Tose, allowing Maria Tshiremba to gather and race away for South Africa's fourth try. Although Italy pulled a converted maul try back through Vittoria Vecchini on the stroke of halftime, the visitors carried a commanding 24-12 advantage into the interval.
Resilience Under Pressure and Late Match-Winning Heroics
Italy launched a fierce fightback early in the second spell. Taking full advantage of a yellow card shown to South African prop Yonela Ngxingolo, the hosts crossed for converted tries through D'Inca and Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi. Supported by a Michela Sillari penalty, Italy briefly edged ahead 29-27 with 15 minutes remaining.
Showing true composure, the Springbok Women rallied through their strong bench unit. Reserve hooker Micke Gunter reclaimed the lead by driving over from a quick-tap penalty, with Cilliers adding the conversion. As Italy mounted a desperate late attack, a sensational cover-tackle by Maceala Samboya, followed by a crucial lineout steal and a booming 45-meter touch kick from Cilliers, swung momentum back to South Africa. Logan Welman then sealed the famous victory, crashing over from the base of a dominant scrum to finalize the 41-29 scoreline.
Match Breakdown
Italy (29): Tries by Alyssa D'Inca (2), Vittoria Vecchini, and Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi. Conversions: Michela Sillari (3). Penalty goal: Sillari.
Springbok Women (41): Tries by Anushka Groenewald (2), Byrhandré Dolf, Maria Tshiremba, Micke Gunter, and Logan Welman. Conversions: Jakkie Cilliers (4). Penalty goal: Cilliers.
Final Whistle
This triumphant performance against an Italian side ranked three places higher on the world stage represents a huge leap forward for the Springbok Women in the WXV Global Series. While unforced errors allowed Italy back into the game mid-match, South Africa's unwavering composure, forward dominance, and backline variance proved decisive in the final quarter. With confidence restored and valuable ranking points locked in, the Springbok Women carry huge momentum into the remainder of their European tour.
Next Fixture Details
Match: Spain vs South Africa
Date: Sunday, 4 October 2026
Venue: Estadio Olímpico de la Cartuja, Seville
Kick-off: 12:00 SAST / CEST
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