In Gqeberha, where the Indian Ocean kisses the shores of South Africa’s rugby heartland, the Springboks are preparing to wade into a second Test that promises more turbulence than calm.
Like a team of seasoned lifeguards readying for a riptide, captain Salmaan Moerat and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick are under no illusion that Saturday’s clash against Italy at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will be a leisurely swim.
“We have to fight fire with fire,” declared Moerat, his words sparking like flint against steel, foretelling the blazing collisions ahead.
The first Test at Loftus had all the makings of a rugby tsunami. The Boks surged ahead like a tidal wave, leading 28-3 at halftime. But the Italians—resilient as kelp in a storm—rose from the depths, clawing back respect in a second-half rally that ended 42-24.
A very special team photo 🇿🇦💚
The Springbok Women and Men came together this morning in Gqeberha ahead of their double-header tomorrow 🤝#HereForHer | #SSRugby pic.twitter.com/riQSJT6Gp9
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 11, 2025
It was a wake-up splash, a reminder that in Test rugby, no lead is safe in shallow waters.
“They are a very physical team, so it’s going to be a massive game,” said Moerat.
“They are a passionate side, mainly formed from two clubs, so they’ve been playing together for a while. They pride themselves on their set pieces and have quality backs with a solid kicking game. They showed real fight at the breakdowns last week, so we must meet that with equal heat.”
If last week’s first half was a wave crashing into the rocks, the second was a lesson in how quickly momentum can change direction. Stick echoed that sentiment, pointing to Italy’s growth since the Six Nations:
“They bounced back strongly. They’ve added structure, energy, and organisation to their game. We need to be much more effective in the way we want to play.”
Yet despite sweeping changes in the Bok lineup, Stick remains calm—like a skipper trusting every oar on his ship.
“We trust all the players in our squad,” he said.
“Every player deserves their spot. It’s part of building depth. Some players had their chance against the Barbarians, others get theirs now. Everyone knows the mission. Now it’s about execution.”
Among the waves of change, a lighthouse stands tall—Willie le Roux. The mercurial fullback is set to earn his 100th cap, joining the elite ranks of centurions who’ve worn the Springbok green with pride.
“To play 100 Tests is a massive achievement,” Stick beamed. “People criticised him in 2019, but what they don’t see is the intelligence he brings to the game. He’s a smart rugby player.”
Moerat’s voice softened with admiration: “I grew up watching Willie play in Paarl and for Boland. To see him reach 100 caps is unbelievable. One Test is special. One hundred? That’s a testament to his quality.”
The Test also holds special significance for Stick, who returns to his roots in New Brighton.
His voice caught in the tide of emotion as he reflected:
“It’s very special. This region has gone through tough times—no franchise, few matches. But the support here has been overwhelming. We want to make it special for the fans, for Willie, for the debutants, and for the nation.”
With Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Cobus Wiese, and Ethan Hooker set to debut, and fans lining up for hours outside the team hotel just to catch a glimpse of their heroes, Gqeberha is drenched in Bok fever.
“I last played here for the Stormers a few years ago,” said Moerat.
“Not many games have been hosted here since, so you can feel the excitement. They’re avid supporters, and the vibe at the stadium is going to be electric.”
As the sun sets over the Eastern Cape and the teams line up at 17:10, the Springboks know they’re not just diving into another Test match.
They’re diving into the hearts of a community starved of rugby, aiming to ride the wave of passion—and fight fire with fire.
