RUGBY
South Africa win Italy series while Ireland secure record victory
South Africa overcame an early red card to thrash Italy on their way to completing a 2-0 series win in Gqeberha.
The reigning world champions won 45-0 despite a red card for number eight Jasper Wiese, whose brother, Cobus, made his debut for the Springboks.
They are the 37th set of brothers to play for South Africa.
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Although they were a man down, tries from the likes of Grant Williams, Malcolm Marx and Jan-Hendrick Wessels secured a comfortable win for South Africa.
Springboks captain Salmaan Moerat was pleased to keep their undefeated record at Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, going.
"I think this city loves rugby. I’m really pleased we could put up a performance like that," he said.
"We knew the threat they posed, they’re a quality side. They made it hard for us last week [a 42-24 win in Pretoria]. We did really well to show character and pull through.
"It’s about working that extra bit harder [after the red card], and the boys did that. It clearly showed out there tonight.
“We’re a team that always looks to evolve, that’s the way rugby is going, otherwise teams catch up to you.
"I’m really pleased with the plans we had, and the fact we could execute them.”
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 12, 2025
Elsewhere, Ireland recorded their biggest-ever Test victory as they demolished Portugal 106-7.
It goes down as the largest points total, number of tries (16) and margin of victory in their history, eclipsing an 83-3 win over the USA in June 2000.
Debutants Alex Kendellen, Hugh Gavin and Shayne Bolton all scored tries as interim head coach Paul O’Connell missed players due to the British and Irish Lions tour.
Nicholas Martins scored the only try for Portugal at the Estadio Nacional do Jamor, in the first capped international between the two nations.
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