Overview
- Franco Mostert was sent off in the 11th minute for a high-tackle ruling by referee James Doleman after TMO involvement, leaving South Africa a player down for nearly 70 minutes.
- South Africa finished with four tries from Marco van Staden, Morne van den Berg, Grant Williams and Ethan Hooker, while Handre Pollard kicked two penalties and two conversions and Manie Libbok added a conversion.
- Italy closed to within a point early in the second half but failed to capitalize on their numerical edge as Paolo Garbisi missed two first‑half kicks and contributed three penalties; Ange Capuozzo scored their only try.
- Rassie Erasmus voiced frustration and sadness over consecutive reds affecting his side, highlighting the difficulty of coaching very tall defenders to lower tackle height and noting interest in a 20‑minute red model.
- Former Springboks Schalk Burger and Nick Mallett criticized the decision and urged greater bunker authority for card upgrades, with no disciplinary reversal or rule change reported.