Morne van den Berg (holding ball) scored the second of South Africa’s four tries
Quilter Nations Series
Italy (3) 14
Try: Capuozzo Pens: Garbisi 3
South Africa (10) 32
Tries: Van Staden, Van den Berg, Williams, Hooker Cons: Pollard 2, Libbok Pens: Pollard 2
World champions South Africa secured a second consecutive victory, overcoming a first-half red card to defeat Italy 32-14 in Turin, following their win against France last weekend.
Just seven days after Lood de Jager’s dismissal in Paris, Franco Mostert received a red card in the 12th minute.
Mostert was penalized for making shoulder contact to the head of Italy’s fly-half Paolo Garbisi without attempting to wrap his arms in the tackle.
Despite the setback, South Africa’s coach Rassie Erasmus, who had implemented a rotated starting XV, made four substitutions within the first 26 minutes. The Springboks held a 10-3 lead at half-time, thanks to a converted try by Marco van Staden.
Two penalties from Garbisi narrowed Italy’s deficit to a single point, but the team was unable to capitalize on a brief two-player advantage after Van Staden received a yellow card for a ruck infringement.
Scrum-half Morne van den Berg scored South Africa’s second try while Italy’s Lorenzo Cannone was in the sin-bin. Although Ange Capuozzo responded with a try for the home side, Grant Williams and Ethan Hooker added late scores to seal the victory for the Springboks.
Williams’ match-winning try was the highlight of South Africa’s four scores, created by Canan Moodie, who cut in from the left wing and delivered an inside pass for the replacement back to touch down unopposed.
Italy, who previously defeated Australia 26-19, aimed to beat the Springboks for only the second time in 19 encounters.
Despite opportunities, including two missed penalty attempts and a missed conversion by Garbisi, Italy ultimately fell short as South Africa found an extra gear in the closing stages.
South Africa will face Ireland on November 22 and Wales on November 29 in their remaining autumn fixtures.
In other action on Saturday, France defeated Fiji 34-21, ending a run of four defeats, despite a significant challenge from Fiji in Bordeaux.
France scored three converted tries in the opening 20 minutes, but Fiji fought back from 21-0 down to level the match at 21-21 shortly after halftime.
Thomas Ramos kicked two penalties to regain the lead for France before Nicolas Depoortere’s second try secured the victory.
France will conclude their autumn schedule against Australia on November 22.
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