PADUA, Italy — South Africa crushed Italy 35-6 in cold, wet and somber conditions in Padua on Saturday to avenge last year's historic defeat by the Azzurri.

Five tries from Francois Louw, Bongi Mbonambi, Francois Venter, Steven Kitshoff and Franco Mostert sealed a comfortable victory. Man of the match Handre Pollard converted four tries and replacement Elton Jantjies added the fifth conversion.

The Springboks, who will play Wales next weekend, beat France 18-17 last week after falling 38-3 to Ireland on Nov. 11.

Fly-half Carlo Canna kicked two penalties for Italy, missing a chance for a third in slippery conditions just before the break.

South Africa coach Allister Coetzee has rebuilt his side since last November's 20-18 defeat to Italy with just five players from that fateful day in Florence this time out.

The Springboks proved solid despite the testing conditions in northeastern Italy building on a comfortable 21-6 lead at the break.

It is the second straight defeat for Italy after losing 31-15 to Argentina in Florence last weekend.

The Italians had ended a series of nine consecutive losses going back to their win over South Africa by winning their opening November Test against Fiji 19-10 in Sicily. — AFP