Now Italy put the struggling Springboks to the sword

FLORENCE is not a rugby city but it will always be remembered as the city where Italy beat South Africa and claimed the most famous victory in their history.

Conor O’Shea is only four games into his tenure as head coach but he has already put his stamp on a team that failed to deliver for so many years despite their inclusion in the Six Nations back in 2000.

There had been the odd win over France or Scotland but never had they beaten one of the big three Southern Hemisphere nations.

In fact, in their previous 12 encounters against the Springboks, the average score was 50-12 in favour of the double World Cup winners.

But showing true grit and determination they managed to turn things around and tries from Dries van Schalkwyk and Giovanbattista Venditti rewarded a dominant performance.

A brilliant break from Willie le Roux set up Bryan Habana for the Springboks’ first try of the game only eight minutes in.

But Italy hit back through a maul two minutes later which saw Van Schalkwyk barge over and the Azzurri led 7-5 as Carlo Canna converted.

Le Roux was at it again soon after, however, as, from a turnover, he unleashed Damian de Allende down the right.

A long range penalty from Eduardo Padovani kept Italy in the game on the half hour and the hosts held on to go into the break only two points adrift.

Lock Marco Fuser was sent to the bin for taking Lood de Jager out in the air at the start of the second half which gave South Africa a foothold in Italy’s 22 but the hosts’ defence was so formidable that the Springboks admitted defeat and settled for a penalty from Pat Lambie rather than chase a third try.

Sensing an upset, belief grew in the Italians and soon after returning to 15 men they edged in front as Venditti touched down in the corner.

Elton Jantjies, who had been bumped off by Venditti for the try, and Canna exchanged penalties to have Italy lead 20-18 and set up a tense finish.

Fuser thought he redeemed himself going over from a driving maul with only a minute to go but, after consulting the TMO, referee George Clancy deemed the big lock had his foot in touch.

But it didn’t matter as they stole the resulting lineout and Tomasso Allan had the crowd off their feet, kicking the ball out.