Boks Shift Focus to Italy After Famous Paris Win

The Springboks have turned their attention to Italy after their 32-17 victory over France at Stade de France on Saturday, with prop Wilco Louw warning that the next challenge will be equally demanding.

Louw said the team’s triumph in Paris was special but celebrations were short-lived, as attention quickly turned to Saturday’s clash in Turin. “It was a big win, but next week Italy will be up and ready to face us, so we will start preparing for that,” he said.

The Boks defeated Italy twice during the Azzurri tour of South Africa in July, winning 42-24 and 45-0, but Louw expects a tougher contest this time around, especially after Italy’s 26-19 win over Australia on Saturday. “They are a good team, and they have quality scrums and mauls, while they also like to throw the ball around, so it will be a big challenge and tough game next week,” he said.

Reflecting on the France match, Louw echoed coach Rassie Erasmus and captain Siya Kolisi’s praise for the team’s composure after being reduced to fourteen men. “The boys grafted out there with 14 men for half of the match, and we’re really proud of the effort,” he said. “Everyone just stayed focused on our task after the red card, and the boys stepped it up, especially the forwards, in the second half to get momentum in the mauls.”

Louw also saluted Kolisi, who played his 100th Test, and Erasmus, who marked his 50th as head coach. “Siya is such a servant to the team and our whole nation. He plays with his heart on his sleeve, and he’s a captain who leads by example,” said Louw.

The team travelled from Paris to Turin on Sunday and began on-field preparations at the Allianz Stadium on Monday.