The Springboks lost lock Franco Mostert to a red card after 11 minutes – the second weekend in a row they have had a player receive a permanent red card – but hung into the contest until their customary flurry of tries in the final 20 minutes clinched the game.
“It was a very important win. They (Italy) had a good game last week, beating Australia, so we knew it was going to be a tough one,” centre Moodie said.
“Obviously things didn’t go our way early on with the red card, but we just had to fight and bring out that South African-ness. We had to work for each other and just grind it out. Luckily we did that and got a good win.”
Moodie says the togetherness within the squad is extraordinary and one of their great strengths.
“It’s special being part of this special group. Everyone is willing to forget about themselves, be selfless and work for the better of the team. Through adversity, we still made plans and got the win,” he said.
“People were asking a lot of questions about the team that had been put out, but that’s the trust the coaches have in us for guys who haven’t played a lot for the Springboks this year, to come out and just show fight and grit and get a good win.
“I think it’s all down to the coaches for trusting us to do a job on the field.”
Heading to Dublin this week for arguably their most challenging game of the tour, Moodie says they will prepare well.
“Two tight games (against France and Italy) we had to fight out and scoring tries in the last 20 minutes – we take a lot of confidence that we can play a full 80,” he said.
“We’ll wait and see what Ireland throw at us, but we’ll be well prepared.”
