The Springbok Women hoped for a strong finish against Italy in their final WXV 2 match, however, two late penalties by Italy secured a 23-19 win for the visitors.
The Springboks dominated Italy early in the first half with their forwards and scored a deserved try early on, however, Italy's slick handling and interplay started to take its toll on the Springboks' defence. Two late tries had Italy going into halftime with a 17-07 lead.
The Springboks started the second half with two tries within ten minutes, however, as with the first half, Italy "dominated" the fourth quarter and secured the match with two converted penalties.
The Springboks dominated early collisions with their scrums, putting Italy under severe pressure. The Springboks put the defence of Italy under constant pressure in the red zone until Babalwa Latsha bulldozed her way over Italy's tryline to open the scoring after eleven minutes of play to lead 07-00.
Italy responded three minutes later when prop Silvia Turani scored off a lineout maul to level the scores.
With four minutes to play the brilliant running and interplay of Italy, created gaps in the Springboks' defence and centre Michela Sillari scored a relatively easy try. Minutes later prop Silvia Turani scored Italy's third try to extend their lead to 17-07 going into the second half.
The Springboks started the second half as they did the first half and scored two tries in the first ten minutes to retake the lead with 19-17. Aseza Hele scored the first try with a bullocking run, followed minutes later by Ayanda Malinga who showed her pace down the touchline.
Italy wrestled the lead back with two converted penalties, to extend their lead to 23-19.
Despite the Springboks setting up camp in Italy's red zone, the defence of the visitors held to secure a 23-19 win.
Scorers:
Springbok Women: Tries: Babalwa Latsha, Aseza Hele, Ayanda Malinga. Conversions: Nadine Roos (2).
Italy: Tries: Silvia Turani (2), Michela Sillari. Conversions: Michela Sillari. Penalty: Sara Mannini (2).
Teams:
Springbok Women: 15 Eloise Webb, 14 Nomawethu Mabenge, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Ayanda Malinga, 10 Nadine Roos, 9 Tayla Kinsey, 8 Sizophila Solontsi, 7 Catha Jacobs, 6 Lusanda Dumke, 5 Vainah Ubisi, 4 Nolusindiso Booi (c), 3 Babalwa Latsha, 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Yonela Ngxingolo. Replacements: 16 Micke Gunter, 17 Sanelisiwe Charlie, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Danelle Lochner, 20 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 21 Aseza Hele, 22 Unam Tose, 23 Byrhandrè Dolf.
Italy Women: 15 Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, 14 Aura Muzzo, 13 Michela Sillari, 12 Beatrice Rigoni, 11 Francesca Granzotto, 10 Veronica Madia, 9 Sofia Stefan (c), 8 Francesca Sgorbini, 7 Alissa Ranuccini, 6 Beatrice Vernonese, 5 Giordana Duca, 4 Valeria Fedrighi, 3 Sara Seye, 2 Vittoria Vecchini, 1 Silvia Turani. Replacements: 16 Laura Gurioli, 17 Emanuela Stecca, 18 Gaia Maris, 19 Alessandra Frangipani, 20 Elana Errichiello, 21 Emma Stevanin, 22 Sara Mannini, 23 Beatrice Capomaggi.