Boks Wounded! Italy's Maul Try Sparks Fire Ahead of Second Test!

The Springboks have admitted they were stung by Italy's maul try in the second half of last week's clash in Pretoria. Both Bok captain Salmaan Moerat and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick agreed that the maul try was the most disturbing aspect of the Loftus game.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's second test at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, Moerat said, "For any team, it is tough to concede a maul try like that, but for a team like the Springboks, it is particularly shocking when that happens.”

He added, “You expect the Boks to dominate in that area, both in attacking with the maul and in stopping the maul. You expect the Boks to dominate instead of conceding a try like that, where the maul moved so many metres and we have looked hard at ourselves after that. That is the only thing you can do, look hard at yourself and come up with a plan that ensures it doesn’t happen again.”

Stick acknowledged the Boks shouldn’t be conceding 22-metre mauls, offering some perspective. “Last week was our second game but our first test match. In the first half, the intensity was good and that was one of our main focuses, but we were disappointed in the second half, we didn’t follow up nicely,” said Stick.

He also highlighted Italy's growth under their new coaching staff. “In the second half, the Italians played well and I think a lot of people have now seen how much they have grown under their new coaching staff. In the Six Nations, they are now pushing teams like Ireland for the full 80 minutes and they are a very physical team with a well-organized kicking game.”

The Springboks are expected to come out firing on all cylinders in Gqeberha, determined to rectify their mistakes and show the world what they are truly capable of. Expect a fierce contest as the Boks look to dominate the breakdown and shut down Italy's maul.