Italian hammer Namibia ahead of Bok series
Italy prepared for their two-Test series against the Springboks with a big win over Namibia in Windhoek on Friday.
The Azzurri scored 11 tries in a 73-6 victory, including a hat-trick from fullback Jacopo Trullo and two penalty tries.
Namibia briefly rallied with two penalties from Tiaan Swanepoel to trail by just a point after 15 minutes, but the visitors pulled away to lead 40-6 at half time and never looked back.
Italy face the Boks in Pretoria on 5 July and Gqeberha on 12 July.
Meanwhile, Uganda suffered a crushing 102-0 defeat to the Pumas in Nelspruit on Friday.
Italy sent a strong message to the rugby world on Saturday as they thumped Namibia in a commanding warm-up match ahead of their high-profile test series against the Springboks. The Azzurri dominated proceedings from the first whistle, showing clinical finishing, superior set-piece work, and a ruthless edge that overwhelmed their African opponents.
Played in hot and dry conditions, the Italians wasted no time asserting control, running in four first-half tries to race to a commanding lead by the break. Fly-half Tommaso Allan marshalled the backline with calm authority, while winger Monty Ioane proved unstoppable with his blistering pace and power, grabbing a brace of tries.
Namibia, although spirited in phases, struggled to match Italy’s physicality and tempo. Their forward pack was repeatedly pushed off the ball, and their defensive lines often crumbled under Italy’s relentless pressure. The Namibians did manage a consolation try in the second half, sparked by a rare breakaway from center Johan Deysel, but it did little to alter the outcome.
Italy’s head coach Gonzalo Quesada, who took over earlier this year, praised his team’s discipline and execution. “This was the kind of performance we needed ahead of the Springbok tests. The players stuck to the plan and showed intensity throughout. Namibia is a tough side, and we respect them, but we were focused on laying a strong foundation,” he said.
The final scoreline not only highlights Italy’s dominance but also serves as a crucial confidence booster as they prepare to face the reigning world champions, South Africa, in a two-match test series starting next week. With the Springboks known for their brutal physicality and structured play, Italy’s ability to maintain high tempo and clinical finishing will be put to the ultimate test.
For Namibia, the defeat is a wake-up call. While they have shown signs of growth in recent years, the gap in class was evident. They’ll need to regroup quickly if they hope to compete meaningfully in upcoming fixtures.
As Italy now shifts their focus to the Springboks, fans can expect a fiery encounter between two vastly different rugby styles — Italy’s dynamic flair versus South Africa’s power game. Let the test begin.
