THE South African Schools team yesterday ran in 14 tries in their mini-Test against Italy Schools in Kimberley in an 86-3 massacre.

Three of the South Africans, Nicolaas Britz, Sizophila Maseko and Eastern Province’s Brian Skosana ran in hat-tricks while Lean Schwartz, Pieter Rademan, Stephan Kotze, Andile Jho and Altonio Jantjies scored the other tries for South Africa.

Flyhalf William van Wyk kicked four conversions and substitute utility back Altonio Jantjies also converted four tries.

South Africa played some exciting and entertaining rugby and also excelled in their defence, allowing Italy only a single penalty, kicked by flyhalf Gianmarco Duca, before the half-time break for their only score.

“I am satisfied with the result, but there is still plenty of room for improvement in our overall performance,” said SA Schools coach Chris October.

“There are many areas of our play I believe we can better before our next match against England Schools which will not be a walk-over and, as a team, we know that. So we’ll enjoy this result and start preparing for Friday evening’s game tomorrow.”

Van Wyk ignited the SA backline and was the catalyst of most tries scored by the hosts during the first half.

In the second, fullback Britz dictated matters at the back with both centres Petrus Lindeque and Jho causing the Italian defenders plenty of trouble.

Scrumhalf and captain Pieter Rademan also put in a solid performance and linked well between the backs and forwards.

“We’re happy with the win, but are going to have to forget about this result and quickly start focusing on England,” said Rademan. – Sapa