The Springboks will face Italy of their first official Take a look at of the season on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld, heading into the sport buoyed by a 54-7 drubbing of the Barbarians at Cape City’s DHL Stadium final weekend.
Italy infamously beat Allister Coetzee’s Springboks in 2016, however that has been their solely win in opposition to South Africa in 16 makes an attempt. Nonetheless, that is arguably one of many strongest eras for Italian rugby.
In 2024, the Azzurri picked up three wins in opposition to tier one nations – their joint-best tally of their historical past, matched solely by 1997. Moreover, 2024 was the primary 12 months during which they beat three separate tier one groups, because the 1997 calendar 12 months noticed them beat Eire twice.
In 2025, they’ve just one win in opposition to a tier one staff up to now, however it was an necessary one as they beat Wales in a match which finally ensured Italy didn’t end backside of the Six Nations.
The Springboks, the present World Champions, clearly head into this recreation as heavy favourites. Nonetheless, Gonzalo Quesada’s aspect can’t be utterly written off.
After a 73-6 win over Namibia final weekend, Italy will likely be trying to carry that type into successive clashes in opposition to the Welwitschias’ extra illustrious neighbours.
Key particulars:
Date: Saturday, July 5 at 5:10 PM CAT (3:10 PM GMT, 11:10 AM ET)
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Referee: Hollie Davidson
The way to watch: The match is offered on SuperSport, SABC 2 and SABC Radio.
Staff information:
Damian Willemse will begin at fullback for the Springboks – taking part in his first match for the staff because the 2023 Rugby World Cup closing win over New Zealand.
Willemse was sidelined all through the Springboks’ 2024 season by two separate accidents – one on his hand after which a groin harm picked up with the Stormers inside 5 video games after making his comeback from surgical procedure.
An act of foul play in Stormers colors within the United Rugby Championship (URC) match in opposition to Cardiff – specifically a deal with with clear head contact – noticed him suspended for 3 video games. This included the Springboks’ win over the Barbarians. Nonetheless, he’s now lastly clear to play.
Jesse Kriel retains the captaincy with Siya Kolisi out injured, having pulled out shortly earlier than the sport in opposition to the Barbarians final week. Faf de Klerk is again from harm, however has been benched with Morne van den Berg the beginning scrumhalf.
Eben Etzebeth begins at lock alongside Lood de Jager, with Jean Kleyn out injured. Etzebeth thus extends his all-time document for many Springbok caps, taking it to 132.
Jean-Luc du Preez is out together with his spouse anticipated to provide delivery, with Vincent Tshituka beginning on his Take a look at debut for the Springboks, having excelled in opposition to the Barbarians on his unofficial debut.
Springboks:
Beginning backs: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel (captain), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Morne van den Berg
Beginning forwards: 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Franco Mostert, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Faf de Klerk, 23 Willie le Roux
Italy:
Beginning backs: 15 Jacopo Trulla, 14 Louis Lynagh, 13 Tommaso Menoncello, 12 Marco Zanon, 11 Simone Gesi, 10 Giacomo Da Re, 9 Alessandro Fusco
Beginning forwards: 8 Lorenzo Cannone, 7 Manuel Zuliani, 6 Alessandro Izekor, 5 Andrea Zambonin, 4 Niccolò Cannone (captain), 3 Simone Ferrari, 2 Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, 1 Danilo Fischetti
Replacements: 16 Pablo Dimcheff, 17 Mirco Spagnolo, 18 Muhamed Hasa, 19 Matteo Canali, 20 Ross Vintcent, 21 David Odiase, 22 Alessandro Garbisi, 23 Giulio Bertaccini
Stats:
Together with their final win over the Barbarians, South Africa have received 16 of their final 18 matches.
The Springboks have performed Italy seven occasions in South Africa, however this would be the first time the groups face off at Loftus Versfeld – the place the Boks have a 78% win proportion.
South Africa have received each of their final two matches in opposition to Italy by over 40 factors (49-3 in 2019 and 63-21 in 2022).
