Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu racked up 26 points with a flawless 100% kicking success rate as South Africa crushed Italy 66-7 at Turin’s Allianz Stadium on Saturday, routing the hosts in the fourth round of the Nations Championship. The Springboks established a commanding 45-0 lead by halftime, eventually securing a nine-try victory that left head coach Rassie Erasmus’s squad firmly in control of their pool before next week’s clash with France, as reported by Rugbyrama.
Springboks Build a 45-Point Halftime Lead at Allianz Stadium
South Africa asserted dominance immediately on Saturday afternoon. Inside the opening five minutes, fly-half Feinberg-Mngomezulu opened the scoring from the penalty tee after intense forward pressure in the Italian five-meter zone. Just three minutes later, the 24-year-old playmaker crossed for the match’s opening try, converting his own effort to push the score to 10-0.
Grâce notamment à un début de match tonitruant et 45 points inscrits en 34 minutes, l'Afrique du Sud n'a eu aucun mal à se défaire de l'Italie à Turin ce samedi. Les Springboks impressionnent à quelques jours d'affronter le XV de France. Le match > https://t.co/VNLL3zo8F8 pic.twitter.com/Pq9wuj4UxR
The visiting pack utilized their lineout and driving mauls to dismantle Italy’s defense. Van der Berg, Malcolm Marx, and Siya Kolisi each touched down following expertly executed lineout drives. By the 23rd minute, the Springboks had already secured their bonus point at 0-31. Damian Willemse added another score in the 25th minute, and Marx grabbed his second try of the half right after Hasa received a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on in the 30th minute.
Erasmus Rotates Squad While Italy Salvages a Second-Half Score
Leading 45-0 at the interval, Erasmus introduced early second-half substitutes, bringing on Kolisi, Wiese, Toit, Nche, and Marx around the 45th minute. The personnel changes allowed the hosts to find a foothold in possession. Italy avoided a complete shutout when lock Federico Ruzza scored a try in the 62nd minute, which Tommaso Allan successfully converted to bring the score to 52-7.
The response did not derail the visitors. Feinberg-Mngomezulu exited the field briefly near the hour mark for a head injury assessment before returning for the final ten minutes. South Africa added two late tries in the 72nd and 80th minutes to cap off the 66-7 final scoreline, ensuring the Azzurri avoided repeating a scoreless 45-0 defeat last suffered against the Springboks in July 2025.
France Test Awaits Following Turin Rout
The comprehensive victory leaves the Springboks atop their group as they prepare to travel to France. Gonzalo Quesada’s Italian side entered the match missing several key figures through injury, including Menoncello, Brex, and Lamaro, leaving them winless in the competition. South Africa turns its attention directly toward Friday night’s fixture against the French XV, carrying immense momentum into the final stretch of their northern hemisphere tour.
🇮🇹Italie 0 – 8 Afrique du Sud 🇿🇦 Premier essai du match et de quelle manière : Feinberg-Mngomezulu trouve l'intervalle et fait parler sa vitesse. Le match à suivre en direct sur TMC et TF1+ : https://t.co/rCwg4xFfLH pic.twitter.com/qGLHWQsWTS
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