The Springboks were in top form in the first half of their Test match against Italy, winning 42-24 after a strong start on Saturday evening.

The home team started well, keeping their defence tight and not giving away any penalties. Italy scored first through a penalty kick after 25 minutes, but the Boks quickly hit back.

Kurt-Lee Arendse scored a brilliant try from a lineout, stepping past defenders with ease. Handré Pollard added the extra points to make it 21-3 after 30 minutes. Just before halftime, Grant Williams scored again after a strong scrum, and Pollard converted to give South Africa a 28-3 lead at the break.

Italy started the second half with more energy and scored their first try through Manuel Zuliani. The Boks responded with fresh legs, bringing on their “Bomb Squad” of forwards, and it paid off when Vincent Koch scored his first try in his 62nd Test.

Italy kept fighting and were rewarded with two more tries, bringing the score to 35-24 with ten minutes left. But Marco van Staden scored late for the Boks, sealing the win after another strong team effort near the try line.

Pollard kicked all six conversions, and Willie le Roux came on to earn his 99th Test cap.

The Springboks’ strong performance, especially in the first half, will give fans plenty to cheer about ahead of their next match.

Scorers:

Springboks 42 (28) – Tries: Jesse Kriel, Morne van den Berg (2), Kurt-Lee Arendse, Vincent Koch, Marco van Staden. Conversions: Handre Pollard (6).

Italy 24 (3) – Tries: Manual Zuliani, Pablo Dimcheff, Niccolo Cannone. Conversions: Giacomo De Re (3). Penalty goal: De Re.