Springboks Player Ratings vs. Italy: Double World Cup-Winner Shines Bright
Springboks Player Ratings vs. Italy: Double World Cup-Winner Shines Bright
See the Springboks player ratings vs. Italy, as SA claimed a 32-14 win in Turin with standout displays, key moments and major bench impacts assessed.
South Africa’s 32-14 win over Italy in Turin was far more complex than the final score suggests, and the player performances reflected a match defined by chaos, adaptation and raw competitive instinct.
The Springboks were forced into survival mode almost immediately, losing Franco Mostert to a contentious red card in the 11th minute and scrambling through multiple early reshuffles as Italy dominated both territory and possession.
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Yet, in hallmark Springboks fashion, they absorbed everything the hosts threw at them, held firm in championship moments and produced the decisive plays when the contest tilted into its most pressurized phases.
Italy’s ambition with the ball in hand was clear from the outset. The team's tempo, shape and willingness to attack the edges created genuine defensive problems for South Africa, with Ange Capuozzo, Juan Ignacio Brex and Niccolò Cannone repeatedly punching holes in the line.
But Italy’s lack of conviction in the red zone, and a series of missed opportunities, kept the world champions alive long enough for their renowned resilience to take over.
From Marco van Staden’s try on the stroke of halftime to the late strikes from Grant Williams and Ethan Hooker, South Africa demonstrated once again why the Springboks are the most ruthless big-moment team in world rugby.
Within that chaotic narrative, individual performances varied dramatically.
Some players delivered world-class interventions that altered the direction of the test, while others battled through difficult minutes, positional changes and disruptive momentum swings.
Here is how the Springboks rated in Turin:
1 Boan Venter – 6
Solid if unspectacular.
Held his side of the scrum together, made a handful of important tackles and contributed consistently at ruck time.
A dependable outing.
2 Johan Grobbelaar – 7.5
One of the Boks’ best forwards statistically.
Carried 11 times, tackled relentlessly and worked tirelessly around the park.
An impressive all-action performance showing real test-level maturity.
3 Zachary Porthen – 3
A tough day at scrum time, and he withdrew early, as Rassie Erasmus sought stability.
Limited chance to influence the game, though carried strongly in his brief involvement.
4 Jean Kleyn – 6.5
A physical presence throughout.
Hit rucks hard, made key tackles and delivered well in the line-out.
Helped anchor the tight five as the Boks absorbed long spells of Italian possession.
5 Franco Mostert – 2
His red card shaped the match.
The call looked harsh, given the mitigation, but it still left South Africa under major pressure.
Contributed well beforehand, but the sanction overshadowed his outing.
6 Siya Kolisi (c) – 7.5
A composed captaincy display in a chaotic test.
Led the defensive line, carried with intent and steadied the side through early disruption.
His communication was crucial in key moments.
7 Ben Jason Dixon – 5
Part of the early reshuffle after the red card.
Worked hard defensively and played his role in stabilizing the pack, but the early substitution limited his overall involvement and makes rating his contribution a challenge.
8 Marco van Staden – 7.5
Powerful and relentless.
Scored the crucial try on the stroke of halftime, carried strongly and made 12 key tackles.
He was one of South Africa’s most influential forwards on the day, but his yellow card brings his rating down, given it could certainly have been avoided.
9 Morne van den Berg – 8
A standout contributor.
Passed accurately, kicked smartly and scored the try that broke Italian resolve.
Managed tempo superbly, especially when the Boks were down to 14 and then 13.
10 Handre Pollard – 8
Controlled the match with calm authority.
Accurate off the tee, composed under pressure and intelligent with his territorial management.
A steady hand in a volatile contest.
11 Kurt Lee Arendse – 6.5
Lively in limited touches before departing for an HIA.
Worked hard defensively and contributed in the air, but did not have long enough to make his usual attacking mark.
12 Ethan Hooker – 7.5
Handled a tough midfield battle well.
Showed physicality, defensive awareness and took his try smartly after shifting back to the wing.
Increasingly looks like a compelling utility option for Rassie's versatile army of hybrid players.
13 Canan Moodie – 8.5
A sparkling display from one of rugby’s emerging superstars.
His decisive line break set up a key try, and his defensive reads at 13 continue to sharpen.
Looks like the long-term solution in the jersey.
14 Edwill van der Merwe – 4
Quiet outing with minimal involvement.
Replaced early as South Africa reshuffled, then returned after Arendse’s HIA.
Never found rhythm in a disrupted role.
15 Damian Willemse – 10
Far and away South Africa’s best performer.
Produced a world-class defensive display, stopping at least six Italian tries.
His positioning, counter-attacking and calmness under pressure were exceptional.
Replacements
16 Gerhard Steenekamp – 6
Brought fresh power after halftime, scrummed well and maintained standards in a clash that could easily have descended into chaos at set-piece time for the Boks.
17 Wilco Louw – 8
Made a significant impact after coming on early.
Stabilized the scrum and carried strongly.
Played a key role in restoring set-piece control.
18 RG Snyman – 7
Introduced calm and authority.
Physical in contact, reliable at line-out time and influential as South Africa closed out the match.
19 Ruan Nortje – 7.5
Busy and industrious.
Supported carriers well, offered a high work rate and added real defensive energy in crucial periods.
20 Andre Esterhuizen – 8.5
A massive impact.
Reinforced the midfield, carried with real force and added defensive clarity.
One of the most influential replacements on the pitch.
21 Kwagga Smith – 7.5
Injected trademark dynamism.
Won a key turnover, defended aggressively and brought pace that unsettled Italy late on.
22 Grant Williams – 7.5
Sharp, accurate and explosive.
Finished a crucial try after Moodie’s break and caused problems with his speed and energy.
23 Manie Libbok – 5
Controlled territory well late and linked nicely in phase play.
Timed out on a conversion and miscued a penalty to touch, making for a mixed, but serviceable, cameo.
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