South Africa absorbed a long spell of numerical disadvantage to beat Italy 32-14 in wet, awkward conditions at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.
The visitors lost Franco Mostert to a permanent red card after 12 minutes yet still found enough control, organization and accuracy to close out a game that remained competitive deep into the second half.
Italy had the better of the early territory and possession.
Their kicking game forced South Africa to cover large patches of backfield as the Azzurri’s scrum pressure drew early changes from Rassie Erasmus’ front row.
Fly-half Paolo Garbisi missed two kickable chances in that opening period, letting the Boks off the hook and ruining the chance to give Italy a useful foothold in the game.
Handre Pollard nudged South Africa in front with a penalty in the 33rd minute after an earlier drop goal attempt was chalked off for obstruction.
Italy leveled shortly before the break, but the pivotal moment of the half came on the stroke of halftime when Italy conceded a free kick at a defensive scrum.
South Africa took the tap, worked the short side and Marco van Staden finished for the Boks’ first try.
Pollard converted to carry a 10-3 lead into the break.
Italy responded with penalties in the 42nd and 52nd minutes, closing the gap to a single point at 10-9 as South Africa briefly dropped to 13 players following van Staden’s yellow card.
The visitors steadied, however, and Pollard pushed the margin back out with another three-pointer.
A second Italian card, this time for Lorenzo Cannone for head contact, handed South Africa a decent attacking platform.
They declined an easy shot at goal, opted for the scrum and were rewarded when Morne van den Berg sniped through for a converted try on the hour.
Ange Capuozzo’s sharp line cut the margin to 20-14 with 15 minutes left, raising the prospect of an improbable late swing.
However, South Africa shut that down efficiently.
Grant Williams finished off a counter sparked by Canan Moodie in the 71st minute, before Ethan Hooker claimed the bonus-point try in the final minute from a Manie Libbok cross-kick.
The match marked the second consecutive week South Africa won despite a red card.
Last weekend they beat France 32-17 in Paris after playing the entire second half with 14 men.
Mostert’s red card came after just 11 minutes when he made head contact with Garbisi.
The Italian fly-half took a heavy shot but was able to continue after receiving treatment.
Italy failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage despite dominating possession and territory in the first half.
Garbisi’s missed penalties proved costly as the Springboks remained within striking distance throughout.
The wet conditions made handling difficult for both sides.
Italy’s high-risk approach struggled to find the precision needed to break down the world champions’ organized defense.
Manuel Zuliani was Italy’s best forward, outstanding at the breakdown with multiple turnovers and constant nuisance value.
He tackled hard and set a real defensive tone for the Azzurri.
Danilo Fischetti caused problems for the rookie Bok tighthead and forced Erasmus to substitute Zach Porthen after just 18 minutes.
The Italian scrum held its own against the world champions and occasionally squeezed penalties.
South Africa made 11 changes to their starting lineup from the France match.
Captain Siya Kolisi returned to lead the side after being rested last weekend.
The Springboks showed their trademark composure and game management despite the early setback.
They absorbed pressure, stayed patient and struck when opportunities presented themselves.
Italy came into the match on a high after their upset victory over Australia last weekend.
The Azzurri hoped to record just their second-ever win over South Africa but couldn’t maintain their momentum.
The bonus-point victory keeps South Africa unbeaten on their European tour.
They have now won against Japan, France and Italy in November.
Pollard controlled the game well for the Springboks, kicking crucial penalties when needed.
His experience proved vital in managing the match from fly-half.
Van den Berg’s snipe for the second try gave South Africa breathing room at 20-9.
The scrum-half spotted space around the ruck and darted through to score.
Williams’ counter-attack try sealed the win with nine minutes remaining.
Moodie sparked the move before Williams finished off the chance.
Hooker’s bonus-point try in the final minute came from excellent execution.
Libbok’s cross-kick found Hooker in space for an easy finish.
The result moves Italy to 10th in the World Rugby Rankings.
South Africa remains number one, having held the top spot for two months.
Italy will rue their missed opportunities, particularly Garbisi’s kicking struggles.
The fly-half set up Capuozzo’s try with good play but his goal-kicking kept South Africa comfortable.
The Springboks continue to demonstrate their ability to win under pressure.
Even with 14 men for most of the match, they found ways to control the contest.
South Africa’s European tour concludes next weekend.
Italy will look to bounce back from this disappointing performance after their Australia triumph.
