Italy vs South Africa Preview & Prediction | 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup | Pool Stage
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This is a massive game in Pool D between Italy and South Africa, and on paper there appears very little to separate the two nations.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – CBS Sports
How to watch online: UK – BBC iPlayer & the BBC Sport Website & app / US – Paramount+
Italy squad
Squad: 15 Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, 14 Aura Muzzo, 13 Michela Sillari, 12 Beatrice Rigoni, 11 Alyssa D’Inca, 10 Emma Stevanin, 9 Sofia Stefan, 8 Elisa Giordana Duca, 7 Beatrice Veronese, 6 Francesca Sgorbini, 5 Giordana Duca, 4 Sara Tounesi, 3 Sara Seye, 2 Vittoria Veccheni, 1 Silvia Turani
Replacements: 16 Layra Gurioli, 17 Emanuela Stecca, 18 Gaia Maris, 19 Valeria Fedrighi, 20 Alissa Ranuccini, 21 Alia Bitonci, 22 Sara Mannini, 23 Francesca Granzotto
South Africa squad
Squad: 15 Nadine Roos, 14 Byrhandré Dolf, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Ayanda Malinga, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Unam Tose, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Danelle Lochner, 4 Nolusindiso Booi (captain), 3 Babalwa Latsha, 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie
Replacements: 16 Micke Gunter, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Vainah Ubisi, 20 Lerato Makua, 21 Catha Jacobs, 22 Eloise Webb, 23 Aphiwe Ngwevu
Italy vs South Africa prediction
Italy were second best in all areas of the pitch against France in their opener last weekend, failing to score a single point in a 24-0 defeat to their Six Nations rivals.
They now face South Africa in a crucial Pool D encounter, having never previously lost to the Springbok Women.
South Africa’s own campaign began with a commanding 66-6 triumph over World Cup debutants Brazil, but they were rarely tested against a nation who do not have a great deal of experience at this level.
It’s fair to say that the Women’s World Cup has lacked competitive contests so far, but this could be the first match in the pool stage that goes to the wire. The two nations last faced off in October 2024, with Italy edging a tight match 23-19.
We think the tides could turn here. Italy didn’t offer a great deal against France and are up against a side who enjoyed a morale-boosting victory last weekend. This could easily go wither way, but we’re siding with South Africa.
Italy vs South Africa tip: South Africa to win
