France thumps Fiji 54-17 in Nations rugby
France stormed back to the top of the northern hemisphere Nations Championship table with a dominant but flawed 54-17 victory over Fiji on Saturday. Victory came at a…
World champion South Africa dominated a weakened Italy 66-7 in Nations Championship rugby on Saturday, as expected. The Springboks, fielding an uncompromising lineup, scored nine tries, all successfully converted, at Juventus Stadium. A halftime score of 45-0 and Italy's defense shortcomings suggested the Springboks were poised to achieve their goal of a potential century.
However, Italy's defensive flaws and a decline in intensity ultimately led to their downfall. This victory brought South Africa's championship record to 4-0, increasing its lead over New Zealand. The team will face Six Nations champions France in Paris on Friday. Italy fell to 0-4, facing Argentina and Fiji next. Despite missing several injured front-line players, Italy showed improved performance when Stephen Varney and Tommaso Allan replaced Hal Glick and Jonathan Pearce after an hour.
Despite having lost only once against Italy, their 10-year losing streak continued, as they coach Rassie Erasmus selected the team based on their victory over New Zealand in the "Greatest Rivalry" series two months prior.
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