Prior to 2016, the Azzurri had lost all 12 of their previous encounters with the Boks, dating back to 1995, all by 16 points or more.

But, on November 19 that year, it was a different story.

Tries from Bryan Habana and Damian de Allende gave South Africa a 12-10 half-time lead but Italy – guided by Irish coach Conor O’Shea – fought back and Giovanbattista Venditti added to SA-born Dries van Schalwyk’s first-half try.

A Carlo Canna penalty with 15 minutes remaining gave the Azzurri the 20-18 triumph at Artmio Franchi Stadium, and their first home win in two years.

Defeat heaped more misery on the Allister Coetzee-coached Boks, who had come off their heaviest home loss the All Blacks, a draw with the Barbarians, and beaten by England – SA’s first defeat to the Roses for 10 years.