South Africa are increasingly benevolent giants.
First Japan, and now Italy.
The Azzurri were beaten out the gate by the All Blacks last weekend, but they responded magnificently this afternoon to beat South Africa for the first time, winning out 20-18.
This was the thirteenth clash between the nations, with South Africa winning the previous twelve.
But a converted Giovanbattista Venditti try nudged Italy into a 20-18 win that they did not surrender.
Here is Italy's ecstasy on full-time:
The drought is over. @Federugby claim first ever victory over @Springboks. #ITAvRSA https://t.co/l79on5sTLt
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) November 19, 2016
The reaction online was only delighted, although some feel Ireland left a series win behind them during the summer:
What a day for Conor O'Shea!! #Italy have beaten #SouthAfrica 20 -18
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) November 19, 2016
Thrilled for my former coach Conor O'shea and his Italian team 👏🏾 what a result against South Africa
— Ugo Monye (@ugomonye) November 19, 2016
Conor O'Shea has bought himself a bit of time with that win. How bad are South Africa though? Big missed opportunity in June
— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) November 19, 2016
Phenomenal result for Italy beating South Africa 20-18. Fantastic work being done by Conor O'shea
— Manus Lappin (@EmeraldRugby) November 19, 2016
Congratulations to Conor O'Shea and @Federugby - fantastic result! #ITAvRSA
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) November 19, 2016
2 years since Italy won a test match on home soil. 🇮🇹
What an occasion, well done Conor O'Shea, well done Italy.#ITAvRSA— The Oval Office (@theovaloffice10) November 19, 2016
