South Africa overpowered Italy in their 2025 Test opener, but a mixed display outside the set piece left Rassie Erasmus with plenty to fine-tune, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane says the Boks’ dominance at scrum time and the impact of the Bomb Squad were standout positives, but the overall performance lacked polish, precision and a clinical edge.
“The breakdown was a contest, but little else troubled the Springboks,” Keohane writes. He notes that Erasmus fielded a match 23 including 19 World Cup winners, while another 15 – including Kolisi, Roos, Am and Moodie – sat out entirely.
The sheer depth, he argues, underscores why South Africa are world champions and…
Cape of Good Hope: This famous landmark is located at the southwestern tip of
the country and is known for its stunning scenery and biodiversity.
Dewdrop Doll
Oke / Ou – guy [oak] / [oh] South Africa’s most common word for a man or guy and is similar in meaning to ‘china’, ‘bru’ or ‘boet’.
Mud Eye
Fun South African Fact: The world’s second-largest brewing company is in South Africa.