South Africa set for historic quarter-final spot

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 are set to appear in their first Women's World Cup quarter-final after an impressive 29-24 win over Italy.

With France comfortably leading 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.

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 their World 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.

The Springboks now face a difficult final pool game against France next Sunday in Northampton, while Italy face Brazil.

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.

Referee: Ella Goldsmith (Australia)

Assistant referees: Holly Wood (England) and Amelia Luciano (South Africa)

TMO: Rachel Horton (Australia)