South Africa vs Italy 2nd Test Predictions - Springboks set for another comfortable win

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 11 Jul 2025

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Ralph Staniforth 11 Jul 2025

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South Africa makes 12-13 changes for the upcoming match.
Italy aims to stay within a 38.5-point margin against South Africa.
South Africa leads head-to-head with a 16-1 record over Italy.

Expired

South Africa have won 16 of their 17 matches against Italy. (Getty Images)

South Africa vs Italy Predictions

South Africa were very disappointed with their performance last weekend despite a relatively comfortable win. This week they have made 12 or 13 changes to their side, so they could take some time to get going. My best bet is for Italy to get within 38.5 points.

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

South Africa have won 16 of their 17 matches against Italy.
South Africa have won 5 of their last 6 home matches.
South Africa have made wholesale changes to their side.
Italy lost by 18 points last weekend.

Head to Head

South Africa lead 16-1 in their 17 matches against Italy. Last week the Springboks won 42-24.

South Africa Form

South Africa began their 2025 international season with a thrashing of the Barbarians in Cape Town a fortnight ago. That was not a full international but strong opposition regardless.

Many expected the back-to-back World Cup winners to cruise to victory in the first Test against Italy. While the first half went relatively well, the second half saw the Springboks struggle to maintain their momentum and Italy slowly got themselves into the game.

It would be wrong to say that South Africa wasn’t always in control of the game because they were, Italy never really threatened to win, but they were competitive in the 42-24 defeat. The performance drew some harsh words from head coach, Rassie Erasmus.

South Africa Team News

Rassie Erasmus has rung the changes for this game. Willie le Roux is set to make his 100th appearance for the Springboks after debuting against Italy back in 2013.

Malcolm Marx and Jaser Wiese are the only starters from last week that start again. Canan Moodie gets a chance to shine at outside centre while Manie Libbok starts at 10. Andre Esterhuizen is at 12.

Italy Form

Italy left many of their top players behind to rest, so it would be safe to assume they were prepared for a very tough time. However, Italy pulled up their socks and made life very difficult for the Springboks.

The hosts dominated the first half, but Italy slowly grew into the game, even scoring a driving maul from 20 meters out – unheard of against a South African side.

That performance would have done Italy the world of good and their confidence will be up for this fixture.

Italy Team News

Italy are likely to freshen things up and give a couple more players a run in this game.

Verdict

South Africa v Italy 2nd Test

I am backing Italy to lose by less than 38.5 points against South Africa.

Italy +38.5

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