After their chastening 24-0 opening defeat to France, Italy need to bounce back. Quickly. Or the impressive Six Nations 2025 wins over Scotland and Wales will begin to look like outliers. They have yet to lose to South Africa but the last meeting was mighty close...
The Springbok Women will be taking plenty from that WXV2 match in October 2024. That day they led 19-17 after 62 minutes before sliding to an agonising 23-19 loss. Last week's thumping victory over Brazil has ensured the smiles are in place for South Africa as they gear up for what forward Catha Jacobs is calling "the most important match in our history".
Kick-off: 15:30 BST, Sunday, 31 August
Venue: York Community Stadium, York
If you are heading to York this weekend, make sure you read England star Ellie Kildunne's lowdown on where to eat and what to do in her hometown.
How to watch: Head here to get a last-minute ticket.
Or check out our Global Guide to the TV options in your area.
Italy team
Italy's key player: Number eight is a great place to captain from and Elisa Giordano will know that her team need one of her all-action displays. Highly experienced the forward, who plays her club rugby for Valsugana, will be key in combating South Africa's growing power game.
South Africa team
South Africa's key player: Catha Jacobs is a vital cog within a Springbok Women's side that is starting to combine pace out back with uncompromising strength up top. The second-row has been unafraid to call out what a "huge match" this is for her team. She will not be holding back.
Head-to-heads:
WXV2 2024: ITA 23-19 RSA
WXV2 2023: ITA 36-18 RSA
What they said:
Italy head coach Fabio Roselli:
"The team are clear on how we can build more pressure on them [South Africa]. At the same time, we are very aware about their strength, their power, it will be another tough match, and obviously also the emotion and tension because there will be two teams that have to win. It's an important game, but how we manage emotion can make a difference.
"It's an ability, the tension and emotions are normal in this kind of match. You have to manage to not put it when you cross the line. It’s part of the game, so it will be interesting, but I'm happy because the team, the players are improving during the week, and match by match. I'm happy.
"Not just me, but all the Italian team, all the people around Italy, are very proud of Sofia (Stefan who will win her 100th cap). There will be a lot of energy that we need to manage in the right way, because the team need to have a big performance, but all players, all staff are working in a good direction to try to help Sofia manage her emotions.”
Italy back Beatrice Rigioni:
"Yeah, but living in Manchester has prepared me to be ready when the weather is not nice, for sure. Every time it’s a little bit different, but training makes you ready for everything."
South Africa head coach Swys De Bruin:
"We're thinking more about ourselves and our progress, how we improved. The curve is up. I'm trying not to think too much on the opponents. We've got our processes, our aims, our stuff. We know how they play. They're much better than everyone thinks.
"To get no points on the scoreboard against France- you're going to get much more from Italy in the next game. Maybe they are targeting us and Brazil and don’t target France so much.
"The first aim was to win a game at the World Cup, we couldn't do it in the last one. So we won a game. The second thing is, let's see if we can get top 10. Once you’re top 10, you’re not seen as a minor. We know in the back of the mind that it will be fantastic if we can achieve it."
South Africa captain Nolusindiso Booi:
"I'm feeling good, a bit of nerves, it’s a big one, and everyone is ready knowing that there's pressure coming.
"We respect one another in that changing room and we do different things. We sing, and that's one of our weapons, a way of calming down the nerves and a way of preparing us and making us better in terms of focus.
"Winning will be something special for all of us, not just the players, not just the management, not just the South African fans, but also for the young generations that is looking up to us."
