Home » Mama Mia, Here we Go Again… Springboks Congratulate Italy on Historic Win

Mama Mia, Here we Go Again… Springboks Congratulate Italy on Historic Win

The drought is over for Italy as they claim their first rugby win over the Springboks, in Florence today. The South African Rugby Union (SARU) tweeted: “Congratulations to @Federugby, who has beaten the #Springboks for the first time in 13 encounters between the two countries, winning 20-18.” Italy claimed the historic win over the South […]

By SAPeople
19-11-16 19:03
in Eish!

The drought is over for Italy as they claim their first rugby win over the Springboks, in Florence today.

half-time-in-italy
Things were looking hopeful at half-time, with South Africa 12-10 in the lead. Photo: FB/Springboks

The South African Rugby Union (SARU) tweeted: “Congratulations to @Federugby, who has beaten the #Springboks for the first time in 13 encounters between the two countries, winning 20-18.”

Italy claimed the historic win over the South African rugby team in Florence on Saturday.

Ironically one of  the tries that helped Italy to victory was scored by South African-born Dries van Schalkwyk, who plays for Italian team Zebre. The Twitter page of the 31-year-old flanker from Bloemfontein is filled with inspirational quotes including “the key is to play the hand you were dealt like it was the hand you wanted…”.

With Bryan Habana back on the team, South African fans were hopeful… and the match did begin well. Bryan scored a try within 10 minutes of kick-off, his 67th international try.

And by half-time, the Springboks were in the lead 12-10 with two tries scored against one for the home side (the try scored by van Schalkwyk) and Pat Lambie‘s conversion.

In the second half Pat took South Africa to a 15-10 lead with a penalty kick. But then Italy’s score climbed and although South Africa managed to creep one point ahead 18-17, Italy scored a penalty with 15 minutes to go that clinched their win of 20-18.

Many Springbok fans took to social media calling for coach Allistair Coetzee to resign.

One Springbok fan said “pasta joins the ranks of sushi as food that will never be served at Springbok dinners again”.

Former Springbok player Bakkies Botha said: “It’s [sad] to say but no rugby nation FEAR the Springboks anymore. Peace.”

Well known South African writer and columnist Max du Preez tweeted: “Springboks have been captured. #BokCapture.”

“#Clancy was poor but we cannot blame the ref!” tweeted former Bok player Joel Stransky. “Springboks ineffective in most areas! And not improving! Surely time for change!”

Victorious Italy

When we were still ahead…