A brilliant Bryan Habana try soothed South African nerves and set up a 44-10 win over Italy Saturday in a four-nation rugby tournament Test.
After building a 20-point first-half lead, the Springboks had it halved by the hour mark at cloudy Kings Park before the veteran right-wing made his mark with a solo score.
Receiving possession inside his half, the France-bound Western Stormers star accelerated down the right wing, cut inside and scored between the posts with a trail of would-be tacklers in his wake.
Recalled fly-half Morne Steyn confirmed his goal-kicking form this season with 19 points from five conversions and three penalties as the Springboks made a five-try start to a 12-Test season.
The bonus-point victory took South Africa to the top of the table after the first round with five points, one more than Samoa, who ended a 22-year winless run against Scotland with a 23-13 triumph in the curtain-raiser.
“We came back strongly after an early second-half slump and all 23 Springboks played their part with the newcomers bringing a fresh flavour and energy to the team,” said South Africa centre and skipper Jean de Villiers.
“There were some problems at the set pieces, which is normal at the start of a season, and we allowed the Italians too much momentum at times during the second half.”
Italy No.8 and skipper Sergio Parisse accepted the outcome: “We did not play well enough to win and the result was fair. My players took some risks and paid the price – that is rugby.”