South Africa overcame an early red card and a prolonged Italian onslaught to claim a composed and deeply impressive 32-14 victory Saturday, extending the Springboks' reputation as the sport’s most ruthless closers. 

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Down a man from the 11th minute after Franco Mostert was sent off for a high tackle, the world champions again leaned on defensive resilience, set-piece clarity and cold-blooded efficiency to put away an Italian side that had ample chances - but never truly believed it could finish the job.

Italy controlled large portions of possession and territory across both halves, yet a lack of conviction in the red zone, and a series of misfires from Paolo Garbisi proved decisive. 

The fly-half missed multiple first-half penalties that could have stretched the hosts clear while the Springboks were reeling. 

Instead, South Africa struck a hammer blow in stoppage time of the opening period, when Marco van Staden powered over after back-to-back scrum penalties. Handre Pollard converted for a 10-3 lead at the break.

Italy began the second half brightly, with Garbisi trimming the deficit to four through a straightforward penalty. 

With South Africa briefly reduced to 13 after van Staden was sent to the bin for a cynical infringement in the 51st minute, Italy had the platform to seize control. 

The Italians again opted for the posts, rather than the corner, with Garbisi nudging Italy to within a point at 10-9. The decision immediately backfired.

From the restart, Lorenzo Cannone was shown a yellow for a head clash with Kwagga Smith, restoring numerical balance. 

The Boks went to their scrum and struck instantly. 

Morne van den Berg sniped over in the 59th minute, Pollard converted and the visitors surged to a 20-9 lead.

Italy finally produced the kind of attacking sequence that had been available all afternoon, when Ange Capuozzo finished a slick inside ball from Juan Ignacio Brex in the 64th minute. But Garbisi pushed the conversion wide, and the missed opportunity summed up the day.

From there, the champions closed the door. 

Canan Moodie’s brilliant break set up Grant Williams in the 71st minute, before Ethan Hooker danced in for his first test try in the 79th. 

Manie Libbok was timed out on the conversion attempt, but the point was long made.

Italy will rue its conservatism and lack of composure in key moments. 

South Africa, even when outnumbered and outplayed for long stretches, remains unmatched when it comes to turning pressure moments into victories.

*Kickoff is 12:40 GMT. (06.40 ET) Stay here for live updates and refresh the page for the latest action.*

Full-Time - South Africa 32 - Italy 14

Despite going down a player 11 minutes into the match, the Springboks do it again! 

That was mightily impressive from the world champions. 

The Italians will kick themselves for lacking the confidence to really go after the South Africans. 

It ends 32-14 in Turin.

79' Try Ethan Hooker

Adding some gloss to a scoreline that could've been much tighter, the Springboks showed their class to bury Italy. 

Ethan Hooker gets his first test try in the best possible fashion, out wide with some dazzling footwork to take the Boks over 30 points. 

Manie Libbok is timed out with his conversion, but it doesn't matter, as the world champions have done it again!  ITA 14 - RSA 32.

71' Try Grant Williams

Canan Moodie, take a bow! 

That was exceptional by the outside center, who beats two Italian defenders down the left-hand side, before finding Grant Williams on the inside for a try that must surely end this match as a contest. 

Manie Libbok knocks over the conversion, and the Boks are clear. ITA 14 - RSA 27.

64' Try, Ange Capuozzo

Now that is what the Italians should've done all match! Keep the ball in hand! 

Italy has done this all match. The Italians have found gaps inside the Bok defense, but thus far haven't punished their visitors. 

Capuozzo takes a beautiful inside ball by Brex and gets the flying fullback over the line. 

Garbisi misses an easy conversion that would've brought the hosts back within four points. ITA 14 - RSA 20.

59' Try Morne van den Berg

This is the difference between the two sides. 

Italy has gone for easy shots at goal when the Italians should've backed themselves. 

The Boks immediately call for a scrum and score a try. 

The Italians have reaped what they sowed here. They have had all of the possession and territory needed to punish the world champions, but they have fumbled the big moments. 

Pollard adds the conversion, and that is the match you have to feel. ITA 9 - RSA 20.

Yellow Card - Lorenzo Cannone 

Straight from the kickoff, Italy goes down a player, with Lorenzo Cannone clashing into Kwagga Smith's head. 

This could be a 20-minute red card based on what we have seen here today.

54' Penalty - Handre Pollard

Just like that, Pollard offsets Garbisi's penalty with a strike from 40 meters out. 

Italy has had to work so hard for its scores, while the Boks have done very little, but have been clinical with every opportunity. 

Adding to the host's woes, Ross Vintcent departs with what looks like a nasty shoulder injury. ITA 9 - RSA 13.

52' Penalty - Paolo Garbisi

Garbisi turns the screw here with another penalty to make Italy's advantage count. 

Still, one can't help but feel Italy's need to back itself. 

The Italians are two players up and have dominated territory and possession. ITA 9 - RSA 10.

51' Yellow Card - Marco van Staden 

That was cynical, and the Boks are punished! 

Marco van Staden dives off his feet to stop an Italian attack that was mere meters from the try line. The Boks are down to 13 players here.

49' Championship Moments

South Africa may be under pressure, but the Boks are winning all of the big moments here. 

They scored a try in the 41st minute to lead at halftime. 

They stop Italy from scoring a try in the 48th minute. Italy will only get so many opportunities here and needs to make this territory and possession count.

48' Superb From Italy

Paolo Garbisi drills a perfectly placed contestable kick, which Louis Lynagh slaps back to Manuel Zuliani, who then kicks forward. 

Damian Willemse has to tidy up and is bundled into touch on his line by four Italian defenders. This is a huge moment in the match.

Italy look sharp with ball in hand but they still do not look like a team that truly believes it can hurt the Boks. They must stop going for posts with Garbisi struggling off the tee and back themselves in the corner because penalties will not be enough late on. #ITAvRSA

— Philip Bendon (@PBendon) November 15, 2025

42' Penalty Paolo Garbisi

Italy started this half perfectly, with Garbisi nailing a penalty from straight in front, with Damian Willemse punished for holding on. ITA 6 - RSA10.

Second Half Underway

Italy immediately started with what looked like a high shot on Marco van Staden, but the match officials kept things rolling. 

Italy has committed early to the contestable kicking game and immediately won a penalty in front of the posts.

Halftime Report

South Africa will take a seven-point lead into halftime after a bruising and chaotic opening 40 minutes in Turin, where Italy controlled long stretches but failed to convert pressure into points. 

The Springboks, reduced to 14 after a permanent red card to Franco Mostert in the 11th minute, absorbed wave after wave of Italian possession, before landing the decisive blow on the stroke of the interval to lead 10-3.

Italy looked sharp from the opening whistle, stretching the world champions with smart phase play and a varied kicking strategy. 

Juan Ignacio Brex and Monte Ioane combined brilliantly in the seventh minute, only for an off-the-ball infringement by Ross Vintcent to wipe out a key attacking platform. 

Clear patterns emerged early, with both Paolo Garbisi and Handre Pollard engaging in an aerial duel to settle territory. The Italian approach was bold but occasionally reckless given the calibre of the opponent.

The contest tilted dramatically when Mostert’s high shot on Garbisi went upstairs and resulted in a straight red card. 

With South Africa down a forward, Italy should have seized control, yet Garbisi missed the ensuing penalty and two more attempts that followed. 

His struggles kept the hosts scoreless, despite a dominant scrum that forced Rassie Erasmus into repeated early changes. 

Zachary Porthen was hooked inside 20 minutes for Wilco Louw, while Edwill van der Merwe was replaced by Andre Esterhuizen moments later to stabilize the set piece.

Pollard, in contrast, made no mistake with his first penalty in the 33rd minute, nudging the Boks ahead despite playing on the back foot. 

Garbisi finally found the mark in the 37th minute to level the scores, though the return felt minimal compared to the territory Italy had controlled.

Then came the gut punch. 

After earning consecutive scrum penalties, South Africa reverted to its trademark power game. 

A series of direct carries positioned the Boks under the posts, and Marco van Staden crashed over in the 41st minute. Pollard added the extras to give the visitors a seven-point cushion they scarcely deserved based on general play.

At the break, Italy trails 10-3. 

Italy's performance has been spirited and technically sharp, but unless the Italians rediscover composure and belief in the red zone, the world champions will punish every missed opportunity.

41' TRY! Marco van Staden

That is a gut punch for Italy! 

The Italians have dominated this half but conceded a try on the stroke of halftime. 

This is what has made South Africa an all-time great team in recent years - the Springboks win the championship minutes. 

Picking up back-to-back scrum penalties, the Boks then go direct with the forwards, and it is Marco van Staden who powers over the line. Pollard converts, and the Boks lead by seven at the break. ITA 3 - RSA10.

37' Penalty Paolo Garbisi

The Italian 10 finally nails one from straight in front. 

On the whole, this feels like scant reward for Italy's dominance. 

Italy has looked exceptional with the ball in hand, but it would be great to see the Italians go for the corner or call for scrums and test the Boks. 

This is where belief is crucial. ITA 3 - RSA 3.

33' Penalty - Handre Pollard

This is the difference between a World Cup-winning fly-half and a talented youngster. 

Pollard drills his first shot at the goal, and Garbisi has missed two. 

The visitors take a three-point lead, having been under the pump for 30 minutes. 

The Italians need to back themselves and play more; they have been too conservative.

26' Garbisi's Radar Off Again

Italy, for all of its dominance, is scoreless, with Paolo Garbisi missing two penalties. 

Given their effective carrying game, it will be interesting if the Italians now start going to the corner. 

Italy will know it needs at least a two-score advantage heading into the final 20 minutes.

25' Another Change!

Rassie is bringing on Andre Esterhuizen for winger Edwill van der Merwe. 

This allows the Boks to have full scrums, with Esterhuizen shifting into the centers when needed. 

Garbisi misses another penalty. These could cost the hosts.

19' Changes Keep Coming

Rassie is being ruthless here. 

Young Zachary Porthen has been pulled out inside 20 minutes for Wilco Louw to try and steady the scrum. 

Italy immediately wins the first scrum with Louw on. 

For all of its dominance, Italy hasn't scored, which will be a concern, but the Boks are under pressure here.

15' Dominant Italian Scrum

Rassie already has made a change, with Ben-Jason Dixon being sacrificed for Ruan Nortje. 

Italy does what France couldn't do and shunts the Boks off the ball at the scrum. 

Damian Willemse has been the Boks savior here, having cleaned up five Italian try-scoring opportunities, with Ange Capuozzo the latest to probe the world champions.

11' Permanent Red Card 

That is a shocker for the Boks. 

After the fallout from Paris, this should not be the case for South Africa. 

That was a clear red, and the world champions once again will play the bulk of a match with a red card. 

Paolo Garbisi misses the penalty from straight in front. Good thing Rassie has selected two locks on the bench.

11' This Could Be Red For The Boks

In back-to-back weeks, Springbok locks have gone high with tucked arms. You almost cannot make this up.

Franco Mostert could be in for a red card here, as he hit Garbisi high and tucks his arm.

7' Superb Italian Strike

Now, that is a beautiful piece of play by the home side. 

Juan Ignacio Brex takes the ball to the line, before finding Monte Ioane out the back, who then gets on the outside of Canan Moodie. 

Unfortunately for the hosts, Ross Vintcent is pinged for an off-the-ball incident that denies Italy a 5-meter line-out.

Clear Patterns Emerging

Both sides are clearly focusing on the kicking game early in this contest. 

Pollard and Garbisi have nailed early up, the Bok 10 also has exposed the Italian rush defense with a deft dink over the top. 

It's interesting that the arm wrestle has started this early. For the Azzurri, it's a risky game, given the opponent.

Kickoff

The Springboks get us underway through Handre Pollard. 

This is going to be a cracker, and we are glad you have chosen to join us for it!

Anthems Done

Absolutely electric! That is the only way to describe the atmosphere in Turin! 

There are few more passionate anthems in the game Il Canto degli Italiani.

The Power Game

Both teams are working through their structured warm-ups, and the early signs point to a brutally physical contest. 

Italy has directed much of its preparation at the contact zone, focusing on double tackles and clamp pressure at the ruck. 

Quesada knows this is his team's clearest path to slowing the Springboks rhythm.

South Africa’s focus is equally obvious. 

The Boks new-look front row of Boan Venter, Johan Grobbelaar and Zachary Porthen has been put through extended scrummaging sequences during warm-up. 

Erasmus already has acknowledged the inexperience in this area, but he also knows the Italian front row of Fischetti, Nicotera, and Riccioni will test them relentlessly.

Pollard ran long kicking grids with Morne van den Berg earlier, suggesting South Africa may lean on territory in the opening stages. 

Italy’s back three of Capuozzo, Ioane and Lynagh will need to be clean under the high ball.

Stay here as we build toward kickoff.

Has Anything Changed Since Last Time Out?

There is real intrigue building around whether Italy can cause South Africa problems similar to those they created in Pretoria four months ago. 

In that match, Italy had 66 involvements at the breakdown, an astonishing number against a Springboks side usually known for precision and discipline. 

It forced South Africa into messy phases and kept the contest competitive far longer than expected.

But the return fixture in Gqeberha was a reminder of the Springboks ceiling. 

They shut out Italy 45-0 and imposed complete control from the opening quarter. 

That performance, combined with the experimental selection today, has created a fascinating tension. 

Italy senses opportunity. South Africa views this as a controlled examination of its depth.

As we get closer to kickoff, both groups look sharp during early warm-ups. More updates coming shortly, so keep refreshing.

Rassie Continues To Test Bok Versatility

Italy and South Africa have completed their final preparations in Turin ahead of today’s clash at Allianz Stadium. 

The Springboks arrive as the No. 1 team in the world, but Rassie Erasmus has made sweeping changes from the lineup that beat France last weekend. 

Only four starters return, giving this match an experimental edge, as the world champions continue to test combinations ahead of next year’s run of fixtures.

Italy, meanwhile, brings continuity and confidence. 

Gonzalo Quesada has kept faith with the side that stunned Australia, and the energy around the squad suggests they believe they can at least disrupt South Africa’s rhythm. 

Ange Capuozzo, Paolo Garbisi and Juan Ignacio Brex headline a back line capable of causing problems if the pack can provide the platform. 

The crowd is expected to build steadily across the afternoon, and conditions look ideal for rugby. 

Stay here for live updates, and refresh the page for the latest developments.

Previous Results

• 2025: Springboks won 45 to 0 in Gqeberha
• 2025: Springboks won 42 to 24 in Pretoria
• 2022: Springboks won 63 to 21 in Genoa
• 2019: Springboks won 49 to 3 in Shizuoka
• 2017: Springboks won 35 to 6 in Padua
• 2016: Italy won 20 to 18 in Florence
• 2014: Springboks won 22 to 6 in Padua
• 2013: Springboks won 44 to 10 in Durban
• 2010: Springboks won 55 to 11 in East London
• 2010: Springboks won 29 to 13 in Witbank
• 2009: Springboks won 32 to 10 in Udine
• 2008: Springboks won 26 to 0 in Cape Town

Italy Team

• 15 Ange Capuozzo
• 14 Louis Lynagh
• 13 Juan Ignacio Brex (c)
• 12 Tommaso Menoncello
• 11 Monty Ioane
• 10 Paolo Garbisi
• 9 Stephen Varney
• 8 Lorenzo Cannone
• 7 Manuel Zuliani
• 6 Ross Vintcent
• 5 Andrea Zambonin
• 4 Niccolo Cannone
• 3 Marco Riccioni
• 2 Giacomo Nicotera
• 1 Danilo Fischetti

Replacements:

• 16 Tommaso Di Bartolomeo
• 17 Mirco Spagnolo
• 18 Simone Ferrari
• 19 Federico Ruzza
• 20 Riccardo Favretto
• 21 David Odiase
• 22 Martin Page-Relo
• 23 Tommaso Allan

South Africa Team

• 15 Damian Willemse
• 14 Edwill van der Merwe
• 13 Canan Moodie
• 12 Ethan Hooker
• 11 Kurt Lee Arendse
• 10 Handre Pollard
• 9 Morne van den Berg
• 8 Marco van Staden
• 7 Ben Jason Dixon
• 6 Siya Kolisi (c)
• 5 Franco Mostert
• 4 Jean Kleyn
• 3 Zachary Porthen
• 2 Johan Grobbelaar
• 1 Boan Venter

Replacements:

• 16 Gerhard Steenekamp
• 17 Wilco Louw
• 18 RG Snyman
• 19 Ruan Nortje
• 20 Andre Esterhuizen
• 21 Kwagga Smith
• 22 Grant Williams
• 23 Manie Libbok

Which Cities Will Host 2031 Rugby World Cup Matches? Here's Who is In The Running

Rugby’s biggest stage is heading to the United States, as the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup makes its historic debut in the Americas.

A total of 27 cities and regions have been proposed as potential hosts and celebration hubs, including Houston, New York/New Jersey and Los Angeles. 

Read More For The Full List: 27 U.S. Cities In Running To Host 2031 Rugby World Cup

Autumn Nations 2025 Schedule & Autumn Internationals 2025 Schedule

Saturday, Nov. 8

• 7 a.m. ET – Georgia vs. USA – Adjarabet Arena (Autumn International)
• 7:40 a.m. ET – Ireland vs. Japan – Aviva Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 10:10 a.m. ET – Scotland vs. New Zealand – Scottish Gas Murrayfield (Autumn Nations)
• 12:40 p.m. ET – Italy vs. Australia – Bluenergy Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 12:40 p.m. ET – England vs. Fiji – Allianz Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 3:10 p.m. ET – France vs. South Africa – Stade de France (Autumn Nations)
• 10 a.m. ET – Colombia vs. Mexico – Estadio Cincuentenario (Autumn International)
• 10 a.m. ET – Romania vs. Canada – Stadionul Național Arcul de Triumf (Autumn International)
• 10 a.m. ET – Portugal vs. Uruguay – Estádio Nacional do Jamor (Autumn International)

Sunday, Nov. 9

• 10:10 a.m. ET – Wales vs Argentina – Principality Stadium (Autumn Nations)

Saturday, Nov. 15

• 7 a.m. ET – Georgia vs. Canada – Adjarabet Arena (Autumn International)
• 7:40 a.m. ET – Italy vs. South Africa – Allianz Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 10 a.m. ET – Romania vs. USA – Stadionul Național Arcul de Triumf (Autumn International)
• 10:10 a.m. ET – England vs. New Zealand – Allianz Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 12:40 p.m. ET – Wales vs. Japan – Principality Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 3:10 p.m. ET – France vs. Fiji – Stade Matmut-Atlantique (Autumn Nations)
• 3:10 p.m. ET – Ireland vs. Australia – Aviva Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 10 a.m. ET – Portugal vs. Hong Kong China – Estádio Nacional do Jamor (Autumn International)

Sunday, Nov. 16

• 10:10 a.m. ET – Scotland vs. Argentina – Scottish Gas Murrayfield (Autumn Nations)

Saturday, Nov. 22

• 7 a.m. ET – Georgia vs. Japan – Mikheil Meskhi Stadium (Autumn International)
• 10:10 a.m. ET – Wales vs. New Zealand – Principality Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 11 a.m. ET – Spain vs. Fiji – Estadio Ciudad de Málaga (Autumn International)
• 12:40 p.m. ET – Ireland vs. South Africa – Aviva Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 3:10 p.m. ET – Italy vs. Chile – Stadio Luigi Ferraris (Autumn Nations)
• 3:10 p.m. ET – France vs. Australia – Stade de France (Autumn Nations)
• 10 a.m. ET – Romania vs. Uruguay – Stadionul Național Arcul de Triumf (Autumn International)
• 11 a.m. ET – Portugal vs. Canada – Estádio Municipal Cidade de Coimbra (Autumn International)

Sunday, Nov. 23

• 8:40 a.m. ET – Scotland vs. Tonga – Scottish Gas Murrayfield (Autumn Nations)
• 11:10 a.m. ET – England vs. Argentina – Allianz Stadium (Autumn Nations)

Saturday, Nov. 29

• 10:10 a.m. ET – Wales vs. South Africa – Principality Stadium (Autumn Nations)

How To Watch Autumn Nations Series 2025

The 2025 Autumn Nations will be broadcast on different networks all over the world. 

If you live in the USA, you can watch the games on Peacock. 

• UK: TNT Sports
• USA: Peacock
• Ireland: TNT Sports (Autumn Nations Games) / Virgin Media (Ireland Games)
• Wales: S4C
• South Africa: SuperSport
• Australia: Stan Sport
• New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ

Latest World Rugby Rankings On Nov. 10, 2025

See the official rankings on World.Rugby here.

1. South Africa 93.06
2. New Zealand 91.35
3. Ireland 88.85
4. England 88.06
5. France 86.95
6. Argentina 84.30
7. Australia 81.69
8. Scotland 81.21
9. Fiji 81.15
10. Italy 78.98
11. Georgia 74.69
12. Wales 73.57
13. Japan 73.25
14. Spain 69.12
15. Uruguay 68.52
16. USA 67.40
17. Samoa 66.94
18. Chile 66.75
19. Tonga 66.66
20. Portugal 64.52

How The Rugby World Rankings Work

Read the full explanation on World.Rugby here.

Calculation

Men’s and Women's World Rugby Rankings are calculated using a 'Points Exchange' system, where sides gain or lose points based on the match result. 

Other criteria include the relative strength of each team, the margin of victory and an allowance for home advantage.

Member Unions

All member countries have a rating, typically between 0 and 100. The top side in the world normally will have a rating above 90. Any match that is not a full international between two member countries does not count at all.

RWC Ranking

Points are doubled during the World Cup Finals to recognise the importance of this event, but all other international matches, friendly or competitive, are treated the same across the world.

How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby

Professional club rugby in Europe all streams on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to: 

• United Rugby Championship
• PREM Rugby
• Top 14
• Investec Champions Cup
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• Super Rugby
• And more

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

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