Italy 0-0 South Africa, 13 minutes

Remarkable. The world champions are down to 14 men again, and as it’s a full red card, they won’t be able to replace Franco Mostert after 20 minutes.

I’m staggered, in truth, that the officials reached that decision. Rassie Erasmus makes a change – poor Ben-Jason Dixon is sacrificed to get Ruan Nortje on in the second row.

Harry Latham-Coyle15 November 2025 13:00

RED CARD! Franco Mostert is sent off! Italy 0-0 South Africa, 12 minutes

Wow – it’s ANOTHER straight red card for a South Africa lock! Franco Mostert and Siya Kolisi look baffled, and you can see why. The officials decide that he was always illegal, though, as he never wrapped his arms. Would you believe it?

Harry Latham-Coyle15 November 2025 12:58

Italy 0-0 South Africa, 12 minutes

Harry Latham-Coyle15 November 2025 12:56

Italy 0-0 South Africa, 12 minutes

Ooh – it’s a high shot from Franco Mostert. Is there a wrap? Is there direct head contact on Paolo Garbisi? It’s definitely not as bad as Lood de Jager’s last week…

Harry Latham-Coyle15 November 2025 12:55

Italy 0-0 South Africa, 11 minutes

That’s more like it from Italy! Some really clever attacking play, looping around a ruck with Tommaso Menoncello on the inside of Paolo Garbisi. The centre biffs through one tackle and then Juan Ignacio Brex is on hand to grubber ahead.

Monty Ioane can’t quite retrieve it…but the officials want a look at something. Over to the screen wanders referee James Doleman.

Harry Latham-Coyle15 November 2025 12:54

Italy 0-0 South Africa, 10 minutes

It’s a bit of a stop-start opening, this. Paolo Garbisi’s high hoists is overhit and marked by Damian Willemse.

Harry Latham-Coyle15 November 2025 12:52

Italy 0-0 South Africa, 9 minutes(AP)

Harry Latham-Coyle15 November 2025 12:51

Italy 0-0 South Africa, 9 minutes

Kolisi looks to be ok – he took a stiff shoulder from Marco Riccioni that was about two inches from being a high tackle. Right on the chest, though – totally licit. Kolisi packs down on the side of the scrum.

Harry Latham-Coyle15 November 2025 12:51

Italy 0-0 South Africa, 8 minutes

The South African kicking game is causing carnage, mind. Louis Lynagh leaps above Edwill van der Merwe but neither can take it cleanly.

Here’s a worry for the Springboks, though, Siya Kolisi down for treatment.

Harry Latham-Coyle15 November 2025 12:50

Italy 0-0 South Africa, 6 minutes

Lovely stuff from Italy, working funky shapes away to the right. Monty Ioane carves through a gap outside of Canan Moodie and prods ahead for Ange Capuozzo to chase. Kurt-Lee Arendse is across quickly to cover, but cannot avoid toppling into touch – but an Italian infringement will allow South Africa to clear. Still, a sign of what Italy can do with ball in hand.

Harry Latham-Coyle15 November 2025 12:49