Italy take on world champions South Africa hoping for another big scalp

GENOA, AFP: Resurgent Italy host sliding South Africa in Genoa today as the nation in form and with coach Kieran Crowley insisting the Azzurri have a chance against the World Champions.

After Italy beat Australia last weekend Crowley said his team wants “to get credibility and respect”.

They have South African attention.

After a record 32 consecutive internationals losses, Italy have won five out of their last six. That run might include wins over Romania and Portugal and a loss to Georgia but it started with a first victory over Wales in Cardiff and includes another statement result, a first victory over Australia anywhere, by a point in Florence last Saturday. Italy have beaten South Africa before, in November 2016, although only Tommaso Allan, who started on the bench that day, and Edoardo Padovani, on the bench this time, survive.