Both South Africa and Ireland made a winning start to their summer with victories over Italy and Georgia, respectively.

South Africa defeated Italy 42-24 in Pretoria after a dominant first-half performance, which saw stand-in captain Jesse Kriel score after 11 minutes before Morne van den Berg also scored two tries before the break.

Despite leading 28-3 at half-time, a youthful Italy side showed their promise in the second half.

Manuel Zuliani, Pablo Dimcheff and Niccolo Cannone all scored tries to tease a potential comeback, but a try from Marco van Staden with eight minutes to go secured the win for the hosts.

Kriel was disappointed in South Africa's second-half performance, but is relishing the opportunity to represent his country.

"We let ourselves down at the breakdown a bit," Kreil told SuperSport.

"I thought they slowed our ball down pretty well. We obviously wanted to attack off quick ball there, but we couldn't get that at stages in the game.

"But looking forward to the Test match next week. I think it's set up nicely, and lots of work for us to do before then.

It wasn't plain sailing, but the #Springboks have opened the 2025 season with a victory in Pretoria - more here: https://t.co/n5es0YaO45 #ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvITA pic.twitter.com/LnY3JI0vjG

— Springboks (@Springboks) July 5, 2025

"We had a tough few weeks of pre-season here, and the guys are really excited to be playing again. Just so special being back at Loftus, it's a very special ground, and we love playing rugby here in front of our home fans."

A new-look Ireland squad started their two-game summer tour on the right foot with a 34-5 win over Georgia in Tbilisi.

Ireland were missing 16 players due to the British and Irish Lions tour, while Caelan Doris and Robbie Henshaw were sidelined with injury.

Debutant Tommy O'Brien made the most of his opportunity as he scored twice in the opening eight minutes.

Tornike Jalagonia crossed for Georgia just before half-time, but Craig Casey restored Ireland's nine-point lead in the first minute of the second half.

Nick Timoney rounded off the tries in the 70th minute to wrap up victory for Ireland.