Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made wholesale changes for the Test against unpredictable Italy at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Saturday afternoon.
Erasmus has made 11 changes to his run-on side, to be led by centurion Siya Kolisi, and one on the replacements bench from last week’s come from behind 32-17 victory against France in Paris.
The players who have retained their places in the starting line-up are prop Boan Venter, flanker Kolisi, winger Kurt-Lee Arendse and fullback Damian Willemse.
On the bench, Erasmus opted for the same players except for loose forward Kwagga Smith, who returns to the squad in place of Johan Grobbelaar who was promoted to the starting line-up.
Lock RG Snyman is in line to earn his 49th Test cap, leaving him only one match short of joining the select group of players who have racked up a half-century of Test caps.
The Bok coach named a fresh front row of Venter, Grobbelaar and Zachary Porthen, while Jean Kleyn will feature in his first match since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final when he pairs up with Franco Mostert in the engine room.
Kolisi retains the No 6 jersey in a loose trio with Ben-Jason Dixon, in what marks his first Test this season and Marco van Staden will start at No 8.
The Bok backline also has a new feel to it, with Morne van den Berg and Handre Pollard dictating play at halfback, while Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe have been selected at wing.
Ethan Hooker and Canan Moodie form a physical centre pairing and Willemse serving as the last line of defence at fullback.
Erasmus, who guided the team in his 50th Test as head coach last week, has included props Gerhard Steenekamp and Wilco Louw, locks Snyman and Ruan Nortje, loose forward Kwagga Smith and hybrid Andre Esterhuizen on the bench.
The two specialist backline players are scrumhalf Grant Williams and flyhalf Manie Libbok and Van Staden will serve as the back-up hooker.
“We said from the outset of the tour that we want to give as many players as possible a chance to play, and we believe this team is best suited to the threats Italy will pose,” said Erasmus.
“One of our key pillars is to build squad depth, and it’s great to have players like Jean, Handre, Edwill, and Ben-Jason back, who have all been in the mix in the last few seasons.
“Handre and Jean have played in
Rugby World Cups, while Ben-Jason and Edwill have both performed for us at the highest level, and we are excited to see what they’ll bring this weekend.”
Erasmus explained the decision not to include a specialist back-up hooker among the replacements.
“Marco played hooker for us at the World Cup, and he has been training in the position since, so it doesn’t make a difference whether he starts at loose forward and moves to hooker, or whether we named him solely as the back-up hooker on the bench.
“He’s a versatile player, and we are confident that he’ll be able to do the job required at No 8 and at hooker if necessary this weekend.”
Erasmus expects Italy to be motivated after their victory against Australia last weekend.
“We may have won both our matches against them in the Castle Lager Incoming Series, but they tested us well in both matches, and put up a brave fight.
“Their victory against Australia will also boost their confidence immensely, so we have a lot of respect for them, and we’ll have to give everything to get the result we want on the weekend.
“They’ve made huge strides in the last few years, and last week’s result shows what they are capable of when they are at their best, so we are not taking them lightly.
“They have also beaten us in Italy before, they are a passionate and well-coached team, and they’ll have an ardent crowd behind them in Torino, so we know what we are in for,” said Erasmus.
Springbok team to face Italy in Turin: 15. Damian Willemse, 14. Edwill van der Merwe, 13. Canan Moodie, 12. Ethan Hooker, 11. Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10. Handre Pollard, 9. Morne van den Berg, 8. Marco van Staden, 7. Ben-Jason Dixon, 6. Siya Kolisi, 5. Franco Mostert, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3. Zachary Porthen, 2. Johan Grobbelaar, 1. Boan Venter
Replacements: 16. Gerhard Steenekamp, 17. Wilco Louw, 18. RG Snyman, 19. Ruan Nortje, 20. Andre Esterhuizen, 21. Kwagga Smith, 22. Grant Williams, 23. Manie Libbok
Sign Up with Betway and bet on International Rugby
Join our Telegram Channel
Get way more with Betway. Enjoy the thrill of sports betting, casino games, and more. Join our community for tips, bonuses, and exciting offers. #BetwaySquad
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, Instagram and Youtube. Download the Betway app to bet on the go!