Improved Bokke smash Italy in East London
Italy had no answer to a much improved Springbok squad led by Morne Steyn and the Bok heavies. The Boks kept it tight and built numerous phases to smash Italy 55-11 at the Buffalo Stadium in East London
Steyn scored 26 of the Boks’ points, which included two tries, five conversions and two penalties.
The Boks and Italy exchanged penalties before Morne Steyn crossed over for his first converted try after a maul went nowhere and Januarie sent it down the backline.
Italy scored next through another Bergamasco penalty after a high tackle from Schalk Burger.
The Boks then continued to use their forwards to carry up the ball strongly and was rewarded with a further three points by Steyn.
In the 30th minute Morne Steyn crossed over in the corner for his second try after good pressure from the Italian defence but even better handling and passing from Januarie and Habana. Pierre Spies also scored under the posts after Schalk Burger put Andries Bekker into the gap, Bekker held back to commit the final defender and off-loaded to Spies. Steyn converted both tries.
Springboks 27 Italy 6 at the break.
The second half started with Italy dominating possession and territory for the first 10minutes. But the physical Bok defence made sure the score stays the same.
The Boks struck soon thereafter through a Jannie du Plessis try. Steyn converted with ease.
Habana also added his name to the try list when hard work by the Bok forwards and good passing from the backline put him over. Morne Steyn converted to add a further 2 points to his tally. With the game in the bag Peter de Villiers started ringing the changes.
Minutes later Flip van der Merwe had reason to smile as he scored his first try in a Springbok jersey, diving over from a ruck near the Italian line. Ruan Pienaar took over the kicking duties and curved the conversion over. 48-6 with another 20mintes remaining.
Italy salvaged some pride when they exposed a flat SA backline. Michele Sepe dotted down in the corner after Bergamasco put a kick through. A difficult conversion was pushed wide.
BJ Botha scored just before the final hooter after Ricky Januarie was stopped just short of the line, Botha was quick to pick and go and dove over from the ruck. Easy conversion from Pienaar.
The Boks played much better than last week but weren’t 100% clinical. Next up is the All Blacks in Auckland and the Boks still have some work left but will leave with a smile.
Scorers:
South Africa
Tries: Steyn(2), Spies, J Du Plessis, Habana, F vd Merwe, BJ Botha
Cons: Steyn(5), Ruan Pienaar(2)
Pens: Steyn(2)
Italy
Tries: Sepe
Cons: –
Pens: Bergamasco(2)
[Article by James Loretz for www.rugby15.co.za] [james@rugby15.co.za]
