Springbok Women survive Italy fightback to seal 41-29 comeback win in Pordenone

South Africa’s Springbok Women recovered from a second-half collapse to beat Italy 41-29 in Pordenone on Saturday, ending a week of scrutiny that followed their heavy 50-19 defeat to Wales in Cardiff.

The visitors led 24-10 at half-time but were pegged back after the break, with converted tries from Alyssa D’Inca and Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, plus a Michaela Sillari penalty, handing Italy a narrow lead with 15 minutes remaining. Tries from Micke Gunter and Logan Welman, both converted by Jakkie Cilliers, ultimately secured the win.

“We were not going to be beaten today,” said Sizophila Solontsi. “Credit to Italy who also played with a lot of heart and even took the lead with 15 minutes left, but we stayed connected as a group and fought back till we won the match. It is a great feeling and will do wonders for the squad.”

The result comes at the end of a turbulent month for the Springbok Women. Ahead of their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry fixture against the Black Ferns, head coach Swys de Bruin departed his role. Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September have since been named co-head coaches for the WXV Global Series campaign.

Co-head coach September acknowledged the work done in the week between the Wales loss and Saturday’s match. “We really had some hard sessions and focussed on getting rid of the small things that became big things in Wales, and I am very pleased to say we did just that,” she said.

“This was a very good win for us. The focus is still on building towards the next World Cup, but you also need the confidence from wins like these to confirm you are on the right track.”

South Africa’s European tour concludes next week when they travel to Seville to face Spain, who finished third at the WXV Global Series Challenger in Hong Kong.