Springboks delivered a commanding performance to thrash Italy 66-7 in their Nations Championship encounter at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Saturday, strengthening their unbeaten run in the competition as attention now shifts to a highly anticipated showdown against France at Stade de France, Saint-Denis on Friday.
The world champions ran in nine tries, with flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu leading the charge in an emphatic victory that underlined South Africa’s attacking firepower and dominance at set-pieces.
Captain Siya Kolisi’s men were in complete control from the opening exchanges, producing a powerful first-half display to take a 45-0 lead into the break.
South Africa’s forwards laid the foundation for the victory, repeatedly putting Italy under pressure through their driving maul and dominant set-piece play.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu opened the scoring with a penalty before crossing for the Springboks’ first try after breaking through the Italian defence with an impressive individual run.
The flyhalf’s early contribution set the tone for what became a difficult afternoon for the hosts.
Scrumhalf Morné van den Berg added another try before hooker Malcolm Marx crossed twice, showcasing the effectiveness of South Africa’s driving maul.
Kolisi also got onto the scoresheet after another powerful forward effort, while fullback Damian Willemse capitalised on an attacking opportunity to extend the visitors’ advantage.
Italy struggled to contain the Springboks’ physicality and attacking intensity, spending much of the opening half defending against wave after wave of South African pressure.
The hosts were also reduced to 14 players after prop Muhamed Hasa received a yellow card, further complicating their efforts to contain the visitors.
The Springboks continued their dominance after the interval, with replacement prop Wilco Louw powering over for another try shortly after the restart to stretch the lead to 52-0.
Italy eventually found a response through Federico Ruzza, who scored their only try of the match in the 61st minute. Tommaso Allan added the conversion to make it 52-7.
However, coach Rassie Erasmus’ boys had the final say as replacement forward Paul de Villiers crossed from another driving maul before wing Ethan Hooker completed the scoring with a late try.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu was outstanding with the boot, converting all nine tries and adding a penalty goal to finish with 26 points. He was instrumental in directing the Springbok attack and punishing Italy whenever opportunities presented themselves.
Van den Berg was named Player of the Match following an impressive performance, providing sharp service behind a dominant forward pack while contributing to South Africa’s attacking rhythm.
The victory takes the Springboks to four consecutive wins in the Nations Championship, keeping them firmly in contention for a place in the competition’s final.
The Springboks will now turn their attention to France, with the two sides scheduled to meet at the Stade de France in Paris on Friday, November 13.
The encounter will provide a significant test for Erasmus’ charges against the reigning Six Nations champions, who will be looking to use home advantage to challenge the world champions.
South Africa will be aiming to carry their momentum from Turin into Paris, although the coaching staff will be aware that the French side presents a different level of threat, particularly in front of its home supporters.
With Ireland also awaiting the Springboks later in their European campaign, the upcoming fixtures could prove crucial in determining South Africa’s position in the inaugural Nations Championship.
For now, the emphatic victory over Italy provides the world champions with confidence, but their attention is firmly on France.
