Springbok Women coach Swys de Bruin and captain Nolusindiso Booi were delighted with their first win over Italy in York on Sunday, with the result ensuring South Africa progressed to the Womens Rugby World Cup play-offs for the first time in their history.
The 29-24 pool victory their first in four attempts against the Italians means South Africa also move into the top 10 in the World Rugby rankings for the first time.
The result followed the Boks' opening 66-6 thrashing of Brazil, giving them two wins from two and the lead in Pool D with 10 points to France's nine. South Africa meet group heavyweights France in their final pool game in Northampton on Sunday.