South Africa thrash Italy 6-36 in Padua

Italy 6-35 South Africa, Stadio Euganeo
Scorecard

South Africa came up with a five-try performance as they thrashed Italy 6-35 at Stadio Euganeo on Saturday.

The Springboks, who had mixed outings under head coach Allister Coetzee controlled the game well in wet and foggy conditions. Carlo Canna got Italy off the mark with a 10th-minute penalty.

South Africa's response came with a 13th minute try from Francois Louw that was converted by Handre Pollard but a second penalty from Canna brought down the gap to just one point. However, the Springboks once again showed strong response through a touchdown from Bongi Mbonambi.

Centre Francois Venter then scored out wide in the 33rd, cleaning up the ball from a kick to the corner and Pollard's conversion meant the visitors ended the first half with a 6-21 lead.

There was no respite whatsoever for Italy as replacement Steven Kitshoff went past the line at the start of the second half while Franco Mostert crossed under the posts near the final whistle to seal the victory, with man-of-the-match Pollard adding his fourth conversion to help South Africa complete a 29 point victory.