WHAT a weekend of sporting contrasts it has been. 

The Springboks delivered a nine-try demolition of Italy in Turin, Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a disappointing defeat in front of their home supporters, and Orlando Pirates kept their Carling Knockout title defence alive.

There was also plenty happening internationally, with Lando Norris winning a dramatic São Paulo Grand Prix, Carlos Alcaraz claiming another major tennis title and the WTA Finals getting under way in California.

Here is a look back at the action.

South Africa were already 45-0 ahead at half-time after crossing the try line six times, with the hosts struggling to contain the visitors' powerful forward play and attacking precision.

Malcolm Marx scored twice, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Morne van den Berg, Siya Kolisi and Damian Willemse also crossed before the break.

Wilco Louw, Paul de Villiers and Ethan Hooker added three more tries in the second half. Italy managed a consolation through Federico Ruzza in the 61st minute.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu contributed 26 points through a try, nine conversions and a penalty, while Van den Berg was named Player of the Match.

The victory gave the world champions a maximum 20 log points from four successive Nations Championship victories. 

Their next assignment is against France. 

USM Alger made a flying start, with Zakaria Draoui opening the scoring in the fourth minute after being set up by Ahmed Khaldi.

Iqraam Rayners restored parity from the penalty spot in the 25th minute following a VAR review, but Saadi Radouani restored the visitors' advantage eight minutes later.

Khaldi then produced the decisive moment in the 55th minute, curling home a superb effort to secure the Algerians' second Super Cup title.

The defeat was another setback for Sundowns following their elimination from the current CAF Champions League qualifying campaign by Angola's Wiliete SC.

USM Alger collected US$500,000 in prize money, while the Brazilians were left to reflect on a disappointing afternoon on home soil.

Defending champions Orlando Pirates edged Sekhukhune United 1-0 on Saturday, with Mpho Padime scoring the only goal in the 31st minute.

Kaizer Chiefs had to work harder, coming from behind to beat Siwelele 2-1 in Polokwane. Siyabonga Ndebele gave Siwelele an early lead before Wandile Duba equalised from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time. Asanele Velebayi then struck the winner in the 84th minute.

Stellenbosch also progressed after beating AmaZulu 2-1 in a dramatic encounter. Chumani Butsaka opened the scoring before an own goal by Gopolang Taunyana brought AmaZulu level. Sinoxolo Kwayiba converted a penalty in the seventh minute of added time to settle the contest.

The semi-final draw has paired Sundowns with Chiefs, while Pirates will face Stellenbosch. 

The McLaren driver converted pole position into victory, finishing 14.6 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen, who produced an impressive recovery from 21st on the grid.

Red Bull's Isack Hadjar completed the podium, while Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli finished fourth and fifth respectively.

The result also secured Mercedes the 2026 Constructors' Championship, adding to Antonelli's Drivers' Championship success in Mexico the previous weekend.

It was Norris' third victory of the season, while Verstappen's impressive recovery drive was one of the afternoon's outstanding performances. 

The Spaniard produced a composed performance to overcome Shelton in a closely contested encounter lasting one hour and 57 minutes.

It was another significant addition to Alcaraz's collection, following his recent triumph in Vienna. 

Noskova defeated replacement entrant Marta Kostyuk 6-2, 6-4 after Elena Rybakina withdrew from the tournament on medical grounds.

Gauff then overcame fellow American Jessica Pegula 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-2 in a demanding three-set encounter.

The tournament continues until November 15, with the world's leading players competing for the season-ending singles title.