Riyaz Patel
The Springboks cruised to an impressive win 49-3, and a bonus point, over the Italians in Shizuoka at Rugby World Cup 2019 Japan.
South Africa routed 14-man Italy with a seven-try victory to all but ensure a quarter-final berth.
Bok winger Cheslin Kolbe was exceptional, scoring two tries. Electric with the ball in hand finding gaps and space while being ferocious and accurate in defence.
Makazole Mapimpi also put in an impressive performance for the Boks, with the winger scoring his 11th try in 11 games for South Africa.
Mbongeni Mbonambi, Lukhanyo Am, and substitutes RG Snyman and Malcolm Marx scored the Springbok’s other tries.
Things started badly for Italy who lost tighthead Simone Ferrari after two minutes with a hamstring injury and his replacement Marco Riccioni had to go off with a head injury 20-or-so minutes later.
Then another prop, Andrea Lovotti, went and got himself rightly sent off shortly after the restart and the 14-men of Italy had no chance.
Former Scotland captain, Rory Lawson, commenting on on BBC, said: “The Springboks are a big, powerful, physical side who on their day can beat anybody in this tournament.”
The Springboks picked up a full-house of five points for their victory to move to the top of standings in Pool B.
