Reigning Rugby World Cup champions, South Africa, have completed a clean sweep in the two-match test series against Italy. The Springboks beat the Azzurri 45-0 in Gqeberha in a match in which the Springboks were innovative with a whole new bag of tricks. The Boks were reduced to 14 men midway through the first half after a red card to number eight Jasper Wiese for an intentional headbutt. But four tries—two of them by right wing Edwill van der Merwe—meant the Springboks led 24-nil at halftime. The #Springboks have scored four first-half tries to take the lead at the break in Gqeberha 👏#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvITA pic.twitter.com/1HLTDlcswh — Springboks (@Springboks) July 12, 2025 Despite being a man down, which took its toll later in the match, the Boks added three more tries in the second half for a comprehensive victory. This evening’s performance would certainly have lifted the spirits ahead of the Rugby Championship starting in just more than a month’s time. But first, they have an appointment with Georgia in Mbombela next weekend. A solid 80-minute effort in Gqeberha 👌#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvITA pic.twitter.com/vzIKXEmjoo — Springboks (@Springboks) July 12, 2025