Hooker Bismarck du Plessis scored two tries from lineout drives as South Africa ground out an unimpressive 26-0 win over Italy in terrible conditions in a one-off test.

Steady rain fell throughout most of the match and, after torrential downpours on the days leading up to the match, the pitch was a slippery morass.

Despite dominating territory and possession, the Springboks could only gather four tries, by outhalf Francois Steyn and prop Tendai Mtawarira, and the brace by Du Plessis.

The Springboks were most impressive when their forwards drove with the ball and Du Plessis scored in the 17th and 44th minutes from the protection of the rolling maul.

Steyn, starting at number 10 for the first time, scored his try with a dazzling piece of individual skill and succeeded with three conversions but was occasionally found wanting in the pivot position.