Your digital subscription includes access to content from all our websites in your region. Access unlimited news content and The Canberra Times app. Premium subscribers also enjoy interactive puzzles and access to the digital version of our print edition – Today's Paper.
South Africa have roared to a predictably one-sided 66-7 victory over a depleted Italy side in the Rugby Nations Championship in Turin, running in nine converted tries at Juventus Stadium in Turin.
or signup to continue reading
A halftime lead of 45-0 and Italy’s weak defence on Saturday hinted at the Springboks scoring a rare century of points but errors crept in, the rhythm fell away, and Italy at least rediscovered their pride.
South Africa improved to 4-0 in the championship and boosted their chances of making the final at Twickenham by giving their points differential lead over New Zealand a huge bump.
The Boks will play Six Nations champions France in Paris on Friday in what will be a vastly different test.
“It’s almost impossible to put 80 minutes together at one hundred per cent,” Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus said.
“But when you win 66–7, I don’t think you can start nitpicking problems in the second half. It wasn’t perfect, but it was proper.
“That said, we have to play much better than this if we want to be competitive against France and Ireland.”
The Azzurri, 0-4 in the Championship, were missing a clutch of injured front-liners but played noticeably better when replacement halves Stephen Varney and Tommaso Allan arrived after an hour.
Erasmus picked an uncompromising side based on the Greatest Rivalry series win over New Zealand two months ago, and they hit the ground running.
Flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, given a Rolls Royce ride behind a dominant pack, scored from a show-and-go 45m out that he finished with an acrobatic plant beside the right corner flag. He was also perfect off the tee — 10 out of 10 — and finished with 26 points.
Scrumhalf Morne van den Berg darted over from a ruck early on, then the Boks fixed their lineout drive and scored four times from it, starting with tries for Malcolm Marx and captain Siya Kolisi.
Fullback Damian Willemse finished a Lood de Jager chargedown and, while Italy prop Muhamed Hasa was in the sin-bin, Marx scored his second from another lineout drive.
It didn’t look like it would get any easier when all six replacement forwards in South Africa’s ‘Bomb Squad’ were unloaded in the 46th minute and Wilco Louw immediately scored.
But Italy scored next thanks to Varney’s huge cut-out pass to unmarked lock Federico Ruzza on the left wing, before the Boks had the last say with tries for flanker Paul de Villiers and busy wing Ethan Hooker.
Australian Associated Press
As it happens
Be the first to know when news breaks.
Daily
Your exclusive preview of David Pope's latest cartoon.
As it happens
Don't miss updates on news about the Public Service.
Weekly
Join our weekly poll for Canberra Times readers.
Weekly
Going out or staying in? Find out what's on.
Weekdays
Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation.
Weekdays
Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening.
Daily
Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update.
Daily
Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am!
Weekdays
Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.
Weekly
Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe.
Twice weekly
Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday.
Weekly
Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarGuide, ACM's exclusive motoring partner.
Weekly
Get the latest property and development news here.
Daily
Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!
Twice weekly
Stay in the know on news that matters to you with twice weekly newsletters from The Senior.
As it happens
Get the very best journalism from The Canberra Times by signing up to our special reports.
Daily
The latest news, results & expert analysis.
Twice weekly
Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.
Weekly
We've selected the best reading for your weekend.
Advertisement
Advertisement
About the Author
