The Springbok Women made history at Stadio Omero Tognon in Pordenone, crushing higher-ranked Italy 41–29 in a WXV Global Series thriller. Driven by a fierce desire for redemption after a tough loss in Wales, South Africa proved they belong on the world stage by crossing the whitewash six times. Co-captains and coaches praised the squad's immense hunger and tactical execution under pressure.
Co-head coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September lauded a clinical, ruthless set-piece performance that completely dismantled the hosts. The South African lineout drive functioned as a lethal weapon, completely rectifying the errors made a week ago in Cardiff. This immovable forward foundation allowed the visitors to launch devastating, multi-phase attacks throughout the afternoon.
“We were very strong in our set piece today, with our lineout drives in particular a very potent weapon," said Johannes-Haupt. “The biggest mistake we made in Wales last weekend was to allow them to get a grip on our lineout drives and a lot of focus this week was to make sure we are clinical in those areas. We were and the result proves that.”
The tactical kicking game executed by the South Africans continuously pinned Italy deep inside their own territory. An ironclad defensive line squeezed the hosts, forcing crucial handling errors and turnovers in high-stakes areas. By controlling both possession and territory, the Boks dictated the tempo and choked out Italy’s attacking options.
“The players really deserve a lot of credit. They were not happy with what happened in Wales and worked hard this week to rectify the mistakes we made in Cardiff. We came here with a specific plan in mind, and they executed that very well,” Johannes-Haupt complimented.
“We are a set piece team, and we went back to our strengths today,” said September. “Some of our mauling was the best I have seen in a while, and we could use our lineouts as a proper base to launch our attacks. Our kicking game also worked well, and that forced Italy to play a lot of their rugby from inside their half, where our defence was really strong.”
Co-captain Sizophila Solontsi highlighted the team’s mental fortitude after Italy fought back to snatch a late lead with just 15 minutes remaining on the clock. Instead of panicking, the South African outfit stayed tightly connected, dug deep, and launched a ferocious counter-offensive to seal the historic win. The squad left absolutely everything on the park to secure their first-ever victory on Italian soil.
“We really had some hard sessions and focused on getting rid of the small things that became big things in Wales, and I am very pleased to say we did just that," September added. "This was a very good win for us. The focus is still on building towards the next World Cup, but you also need the confidence from wins like these to confirm you are on the right track.”
Solontsi said: “We were not going to be beaten today. Credit to Italy, who also played with a lot of heart and even took the lead with 15 minutes left, but we stayed connected as a group and fought back till we won the match. It is a great feeling and will do wonders for the squad.”
The spectacular victory came at a massive cost to South Africa's backline depth. Both frontline flyhalves, Libbie Janse van Rensburg and Byrhandré Dolf, were forced off the field with injuries during the match. The medical team will assess the dual blow in the coming days before deciding on potential replacement call-ups for the final tour leg in Spain.