Springboks brush Italy aside despite early Jasper Wiese red

South Africa delivered a dominant performance to beat Italy 45-0 in the second Test at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday — their second-biggest win over the Azzurri since 2001 despite being down to 14 players for much of the match following a red card to Jasper Wiese.

The Springboks made their intentions clear early on with a controversial short kick off to manufacture a scrum, another innovation that may cause a stir in the days to come.

But that was a sign that the much-changed side were looking to improve on a ropey end to their match the week before. Grant Williams scored the opening try after just eight minutes following a strong run from Edwill van der Merwe, and the winger added one of his own soon after thanks to a sharp inside pass from Manie Libbok.

At 10-0 up, South Africa suffered a major setback when Jasper Wiese was red-carded for a headbutt on Italy loosehead Danilo Fischetti in the 21st minute. But the Boks adjusted quickly, bringing on Ox Nché to bolster the scrum after just half an hour. That paid off immediately, with Van der Merwe scoring his second try off a clever kick from new centurion Willie le Roux. Libbok converted for 17-0.

Canan Moodie scored South Africa’s fourth try before the break, showing good strength to power through defenders. Libbok’s second conversion made it 24-0 at half-time.

The Boks continued their dominance in the second half despite Wilco Louw being sin-binned for a high tackle. Italy also lost Fischetti to the bin, and later David Odiase, as they spiralled into ill-discipline.

Malcolm Marx extended the lead with a try from a maul, and the Springboks emptied their bench with debuts for Ethan Hooker, Cobus Wiese and Asenathi Ntlabakanye, though Wiese was unable to play alongside his brother.

Makazole Mapimpi finished off a slick line-out move to make it 38-0, before Jan-Hendrik Wessels crossed in the final minute. Libbok added both conversions for a final score of 45-0.

South Africa face Georgia next week in Mbombela, while Italy will be left to reflect on a bruising defeat.