Weekend Wrap: Springboks claim scrappy win at Loftus

The Springboks beat Italy 42–24 at Loftus, but it was far from convincing. A dominant first half gave way to a disjointed second, as the world champions faded and let Italy back into the contest. Here’s your weekend wrap:
SPRINGBOKS 42–24 ITALY
The Springboks opened their season with a high-tempo, high-impact win over Italy at Loftus. South Africa flew out the gates, scoring four first-half tries to lead 28–3 at the break. Morne van den Berg and Kurt-Lee Arendse was electric, while Marco van Staden capped a bruising shift with a late try. Italy hit back with three second-half scores, but the Boks had already done the damage. A solid start, but the second-half slip in focus will be a concern.
ALL BLACKS 31–27 FRANCE
In Dunedin, the All Blacks edged France in a match that delivered both flair and fury. Will Jordan bagged a brace and Beauden Barrett held his nerve from the tee as New Zealand overturned a 10-point deficit and kept their composure in the final minutes. France, missing some frontline players, pushed the hosts all the way, but it was the men in black who walked away with a much-needed win after a string of losses to Les Bleus.
BRITISH & IRISH LIONS 21–10 WARATAHS
The Lions held off a feisty Waratahs outfit in Sydney to remain unbeaten on their tour. Huw Jones crossed twice, with Alex Mitchell adding a third in a physical encounter that lacked polish but ticked the toughness box. The Waratahs refused to roll over, testing the Lions’ defence deep into the second half, but the tourists absorbed the pressure and saw it out. It wasn’t pretty — but it was effective.
ENGLAND 35–12 LOS PUMAS
England overturned depleted selections to deliver a dominant away win in La Plata. With 14 British & Irish Lions unavailable, the makeshift side leaned heavily on George Ford, marking his 100th cap with 15 points—two penalties, a drop goal, and three conversions. After a goalless first half, England exploded post-break with four tries, including two from Tom Roebuck, plus Freddie Steward and sub Cadan Murley crossing. Argentina hit back with scores by Pablo Matera and Pedro Rubiolo, but Ford kept the scoreboard ticking and Murley’s late try sealed a 35–12 victory. A notable win under adversity.
IRELAND 34–5 GEORGIA
Interim coach Paul O’Connell fielded a makeshift side in Tbilisi, missing 16 players plus Andy Farrell due to Lions commitments. Debutant Tommy O’Brien struck twice in the opening ten minutes, setting the tone. Sam Prendergast added 14 points from the tee with flawless kicking, including four conversions and two penalties, while Nick Timoney and Craig Casey added late luxury. Georgia’s only reply came via a Daltry Jalagonia try just before halftime. Ireland showed depth, control, and accuracy—even in torrential rain—registering a commanding win.
JAPAN 24–19 WALES
Japan completed a thrilling comeback in sweltering Kitakyushu to down Wales. Wales raced to a 19–7 halftime lead thanks to tries from Ben Thomas, Tom Rogers, a penalty try, and Sam Costelow’s boot. But Japan flipped the script with two second-half scores through Ichigo Nakakusu and Halatoa Vailea, both converted by Lee Seung‑sin, sweeping to victory in the closing quarter. The result extended Wales’ losing streak to a record 18 Test matches, their longest in the professional era.
WALLABIES 21–18 FIJI
In Newcastle, Australia survived a Fijian siege to sneak a 21–18 win in a nervy warm‑up ahead of the Lions series. The Wallabies built a 14–5 lead by halftime through tries from Dave Porecki and Fraser McReight, but Fiji came roaring back, with Jiuta Wainiqolo setting up a spectacular score for Lekima Tagitagivalu, briefly turning the game on its head. It took a 79th‑minute try from captain Harry Wilson to seal the win. Coach Joe Schmidt expressed disappointment in his team’s execution and lineout inconsistency, stressing the need for urgent improvement.
JUNIOR SPRINGBOKS 32–22 ENGLAND U20
At the U20 World Championship in Rovigo, the Junior Boks overcame a 14–0 deficit to outplay defending champions England 32–22. Haashim Pead was instrumental, scoring tries in each half after England had made a fast start. South Africa struck back with energetic attacking rugby, turning the pool order on its head in a statement victory. The win secured top spot in Pool A and a semi-final berth.