Sloppy Springboks struggle to see off battling Italy
South Africa's Morne van den Berg scored two tries as the Springboks fended off Italy in Pretoria. (AP PHOTO) Credit: AAP
South Africa laboured but still ran in six tries to secure a 42-24 victory over an inexperienced Italy side at Loftus Versfeld, as scrumhalf Morne van den Berg crossed the line twice in a stand-out performance.
The world champions were sloppy and often beaten at the breakdown and line-out as Italy put up a brave fight and heading into the final 10 minutes were still in the match against their vastly more experienced hosts.
Jesse Kriel, winger Kurt-Lee Arendse, prop Vincent Koch and flanker Marco van Staden also scored tries for the Springboks, who will seek an improved performance in next week's second test in Gqeberha.
Italy looked shellshocked as they trailed 28-3 at halftime, but they were much improved in the second period as flanker Manuel Zuliani, debutant replacement hooker Pablo Dimcheff and captain Niccolo Cannone all scored tries.
"There will be disappointment in tonight's performance," Springboks scrumhalf Faf de Klerk said.
"Italy really made it hard for us at the breakdown, their forwards were phenomenal. We must look at it in the week and fix it for the next game."
South Africa were dominant in the first half, pushing Italy off the ball in the scrum and scoring four tries.
Kriel raced onto a grubber kick from midfield partner Damian de Allende to dot down and after Italy number eight Lorenzo Cannone received a yellow card for hands in the ruck, Van den Berg dived over from a powerful Springbok scrum.
Arendse burst through a gap in the visitors' defence to score his side's third try, and Van den Berg added another as the Springboks cut holes in their opponents' defence.
Italy scored the first points of the second half when Zuliani stretched to score a try, but replacement prop Koch barged his way over for the hosts.
Argentine-born Dimcheff finished off an excellent driving maul for Italy's second try, and when captain Niccolo Cannone added as third for the visitors, it was game on.
Van Staden's score ended Italian hopes, but there were many positives for touring side.
"I am very happy with the performance," Niccolo Cannone said. "We have to improve some details for next week, but we are very proud."
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