Lukhanyo Am was arguably the finest player on the planet when he was cut down with injury. Image: SA Rugby website
What time are the Springboks losing today?
In all seriousness though, even the world champion Springboks have slumps in form. Here’s all you need to know about their match with Italy.
Lukhanyo Am was arguably the finest player on the planet when he was cut down with injury. Image: SA Rugby website
The World Champion Springboks will have to haul themselves over a hump today and, in all seriousness, I expect them to respond in resoundingly positive fashion.
This isn’t the first time their mental strength and rugby ability has been questioned, and it won’t be the last either.
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Springboks vs Italy key info
- Venue: Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa
- Kickoff time: 15:00
- Referee: Matthew Carley (ENG)
- Assistant referees: Wayne Barnes (ENG) and Sam Grove-White (SCO)
- TMO: Eric Gauzins
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Springboks cannot underestimate the Azzurri
Despite their remarkable historical record against the Italians (W14, L1) the Springboks won’t be taking today’s opponents lightly. It’s unlikely that there will be lingering memories of THAT defeat to Italy back in 2016 under Allister Coetzee though.
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However, when you’re out of form, you’re out of form. A win would immediately change the mood in the Springbok camp but it won’t come easy, regardless of the opposition. Rassie Erasmus, as you obviously know by now, won’t be part of the Springbok technical team as he starts a two-match ban.
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Beware the wounded animal
All jokes aside, I do expect the mighty Springboks to make a statement today and the Italians will be on the receiving end of it. A Bok Backlash is coming in Italy’s sixth largest city this afternoon.
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