Quilter Nations Series Predictions & Tips (15 & 16 November 2025)

Italy vs South Africa Predictions - Italy can challenge much-changed Springboks

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 2 hours ago

Ralph Staniforth 2 hours ago

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South Africa leads 17-1 against Italy; Italy's sole win in 2016.
Italy showed grit beating Australia, improving form, but challenges remain.
Springboks excel, especially with recent wins over France and Japan.

Italy can get within handicap (Getty Images)

Italy vs South Africa Predictions

Italy have become a very good side, capable of getting wins over some of the bigger sides. However, this Springbok side is of a different quality. That said, should Rassie Erasmus name a much-changed side, a very motivated Italian side can get within the 22.5 handicap.

Italy vs South Africa Predictions
Head to Head
Italy Form
Italy Injuries & Team News
South Africa Form
South Africa Injuries & Team News

Italy beat Australia in their last match.
Italy have lost 7 of their last 9 matches.
South Africa have won 17 of their 18 matches against Italy.
South Africa beat Italy twice in 2025.
South Africa have won their last 5 matches.

Head to Head

South Africa and Italy have met 18 times since 1995 with South Africa leading 17-1. Italy’s sole win came in 2016. The Springboks have already beaten Italy twice in 2025 when Italy toured in July. The first test ended 42-24 and the second 45-0 to South Africa.

Italy Form

Italy have been a vastly improved side over the last three years and regularly upset the odds against stronger opponents. In the 2025 Six Nations, they could only beat Wales, however, they lost by less than a score to Ireland.

After the Six Nations, Italy toured South Africa in July this year. They lost the series 2-0 but were very good in the first test, losing 42-24. A week later they were hammered 45-0 but one has to consider that they didn’t take all their top players on tour.

In their first November test last week, Italy were very good, beating Australia for the second successive time 26-19. It was a stellar performance and one that showed true grit as they had to come from behind to win in the second half.

Italy Injuries & Team News

The Italian side will be announced on Thursday.

South Africa Form

South Africa seems to improve week on week as they continue to grow their lead at world No.1. They made a slow start to the Rugby Championship, losing two of their first three matches, but won the final three to claim the title.

The Springboks began their Autumn tour to the north with a 61-7 victory over Japan at Wembley two weeks ago. The game everyone was waiting for took place last week as they faced France for the first time since their dramatic 29-28 win over the French in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

France started the game well, but South Africa stayed in the fight until Lood de Jager was shown red. Many expected the French to take over from there but after the Boks weathered the storm in the second half, took control in the final quarter to win 32-17 in an incredible match.