The Springboks shrugged off an early red card to easily see off a spirited but outmatched Italian outfit 45-0 in front of a raucous Nelson Mandela Bay crowd.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was happy to be proven wrong about 'Assist King' Willie le Roux.
The opening match of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 between hosts England and the USA will be officiated by South Africa's Aimee Barrett-Theron.
Willie le Roux will become just the eighth Springbok to reach a century of Test caps when he runs out against Italy in Gqeberha on Saturday.
The Bulls have officially confirmed the signing of former Springbok centre Jan Serfontein from Montpellier.
The Springboks remain in top spot in the World Rugby rankings following the weekend's action but the All Blacks have managed to close the gap.