South Africa rebounded from a disappointing loss to France by rolling over Italy 54-26 in Genoa on Saturday with a balanced offensive attack and steady goal-kicking from Braam van Straaten.
Italy, which had been outscored 161-14 in its previous two contests with South Africa, made a respectable showing on 19 points from Diego Dominguez.
The powerful South Africans were coming off a 20-10 loss last Saturday to France, and now must look ahead to next week's showdown with England.
Italy had looked sharp in its 66-10 thrashing of Fiji last week as it prepares for its third Six Nations appearance after coming in last in its first two years in the European tournament.
The hosts started the match strongly, as Argentine-born Dominguez put Italy up 9-0 on a trio of penalty kicks, capped by a boot from 35 meters (yards) in the 18th minute.
South Africa began its comeback a minute later when Joost van der Westhuizen (pictured) caught Italy napping, breaking through a loose scrum for a try.
After Dominguez was wide and then short on two straight free-kick attempts, the Springboks took their first lead when captain Bob Skinstad set up Dean Hall for a try in the 30th minute.
Dominguez cut the advantage to two with a drop kick in the 33rd. But Trevor Halstead's try and van Straaten's conversion in injury time gave South Africa a 21-12 halftime lead.
The visitors began the second half in command. John Smit and Victor Matfield each notched tries in the first 15 minutes to put the game out of reach.
Dominguez, the smallest player on the field, scored a surprise try with 10 minutes left to help make the score respectable for the hosts.
It was a big day for two Falcon players, Deon de Kock and Adrian Jacobs, who made their debut for South Africa. De Kock replaced the injured Van der Westhuizen during halftime at scrumhalf, while Jacobs took the field in place of Van Straaten midway through the second half.
Scorers:
South Africa - Tries: Joost van der Westhuizen, Dean Hall, Victor Matfield, Trevor Halstead (2), Bob Skinstad, Willie Meyer, John Smit; Conversions: Braam van Straaten (5), Louis Koen (2).
Italy - Tries: Diego Dominguez, Andrea Benatti; Conversions: Dominguez (1), Frencesco Mazzariol (1); Penalties: Dominguez (3); Drop goal: Dominguez.
Teams:
Italy: Luca Martin, Massimiliano Perziano, Walter Pozzebon, Cristian Stoica, Denis Dallan, Diego Dominguez, Alessandro Troncon, Carlo Checchinato, Aaron Persico, Mauro Bergamasco, Vim Visser, Marc Giacheri, Andrea Muraro, Alessandro Moscardi (capt), Andrea Lo Cicero. Substitutes: Giampiero De Carli, Tino Paoletti, Marco Bortolami, Andrea, Benatti, Juan Manuel Queirolo, Frencesco Mazzariol.
South Africa: Conrad Jantjes; Breyton Paulse, Trevor Halstead, Braam van Straaten, Dean Hall, Louis Koen, Joost van der Westhuizen, Bobby Skinstad (capt), Johann van Niekerk, Andre Vos, AJ Venter, Victor Matfield; Willie Meyer, John Smit, Ollie le Roux. Substitutes: Lukas van Biljon, Cobus Visagie, Andre Venter, Corne Krige, Deon De Kock, Adrian Jacobs, Percy Montgomery. - Sapa-AP