Boks vs. Italy: Louw Shines, But Will They Crush the Azzurri?
The Springboks are set to face Italy in Gqeberha this weekend, and all eyes are on prop Wilco Louw. Teammate Thomas Du Toit has lauded Louw's recent form, stating that he's playing the best rugby he's seen in a long time. Du Toit also praised Louw's scrummaging abilities, highlighting the importance of experienced props in the Bok setup.
Du Toit and Louw will pack down together in the front row, alongside hooker Malcolm Marx. This isn't the first time the duo have played together, having started in the Springboks' win against Wales last year. Both players have faced intermittent duty since 2018, but appear poised for more consistent action now.
While the Boks are expected to win, recent matches against Italy have been tighter than anticipated. Last week's match at Loftus Versfeld saw the Springboks struggle to put the Italians away. With several uncapped players in the squad and Willie le Roux earning his 100th cap, along with Salmaan Moerat captaining the side, the team has a different dynamic.
Italy will be motivated after their performance in Pretoria and will be looking to cause an upset. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will be expecting a strong response from his team. It's a tough test for the Boks, and they'll need to be at their best to secure a convincing victory.
Predictions and Expectations
Many are predicting a Springbok win, but by a smaller margin than some might expect. While some predict a Boks victory by 30 points, a more conservative estimate is around 15 points. The Italians are not to be underestimated, and the Boks will need to be sharp and focused to secure the win.
Key Players to Watch
- Wilco Louw: The prop's scrummaging prowess will be crucial.
- Willie le Roux: Earning his 100th cap, his experience will be vital.
- Salmaan Moerat: Captaining the side, his leadership will be tested.