South Africa are set to appear in their first Women's World Cup quarter-final after a 29-24 win over Italy.
Women's Rugby World Cup - Pool D
Italy (12) 24
Tries: Minuzzi, Vecchini, Sgorbini, Seye Cons: Sillari, Rigoni
South Africa (17) 29
Tries: Hele, Roos, Malinga, Solontsi, Mcatshulwa Cons: Dolf 2
South Africa reached their first ever Women's World Cup quarter-final with an impressive 29-24 win over Italy.
With France comfortably beating Brazil in the other Pool D game, Swys de Bruin's side will confirm their last-eight place if that victory is sealed.
Aseza Hele, who scored a hat-trick in South Africa's opening win over Brazil, continued her try-scoring form as the number eight crossed for the opening score.
"This is unreal, it is so emotional. We have never made the quarters, we have never beaten Italy," said De Bruin.
Full-back Nadine Roos then finished off a second try after fly-half Libbie Janse van Rensburg broke clear.
Italy responded through Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi and Vittoria Vecchini, either side of Springbok wing Ayanda Malinga's try.
Le Azzurre, who lost theirWorld Cup opener to France 24-0, levelled the score just after the break with a try from from flanker Francesca Sgorbini.
A composed South Africa side reacted well under the pressure, with forward Sizophila Solontsi reaching over the line for their bonus-point try.
Fabio Roselli's side fought back for the second time when Sara Seye's score drew the game level.
However, South Africa finished strong as Sinazo Mcatshulwa forced her way over to snatch a famous win.
"This is massive. We spoke about changing history in South Africa for women's rugby and today we did that," player of the match Van Rensburg said.
"Every single lady who is in the squad is part of making history today and I think we really made South Africa proud."
The Springboks now face a difficult final pool game against France next Sunday in Northampton, while Italy face Brazil.
Line-ups
Italy: Minuzzi; Muzzo, Sillari, Rigoni, D'Inca; Stevanin, Stefan; Turani, Vecchini, Seye, Tounesi, Duca, Sgorbini, Veronese, Giordano (capt).
Replacements: Gurioli, Stecca, Maris, Fedrighi, Ranuccini, Bitonci, Mannini, Granzotto.
South Africa: Roos; Dolf, Mpupha, Qawe, Malinga; Janse van Rensburg, Tose; Charlie, Gwala, Latsha, Booi (capt), Lochner, Solontsi, Mcatshulwa, Hele.
Replacements: Gunter, Ngxingolo, Mdliki, Ubisi, Makua, Jacobs, Ngwevu, Webb.
Match officials
Referee: Ella Goldsmith (Australia)
Assistant referees: Holly Wood (England) and Amelia Luciano (South Africa)
TMO: Rachel Horton (Australia)
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Category: General Sports
