Erasmus makes 11 changes for Italy showdown

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named a new-look starting team for their Italy Test, making 11 changes to his run on side which will again be led by inspirational captain Siya Kolisi from last week’s 32-17 victory against France.

The players who retained their places in the starting team are Boan Venter (prop), Kolisi (flanker), Kurt-Lee Arendse (wing) and Damian Willemse (fullback), while Erasmus opted for the same bench except for Kwagga Smith (loose forward), who returns to the squad in place of Johan Grobbelaar, who was promoted to the starting lineup.

RG Snyman (replacement lock) 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 Boks 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, who will start at No 8.

The Boks backline also has a new feel to it, with Morne van den Berg and Handre Pollard dictating play at the halves, 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.

On the bench, 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, while the two specialist backline players are Grant Williams (scrumhalf) and Manie Libbok (flyhalf). Van Staden will serve as the back-up hooker.

Erasmus says they stated from the outset of the tour that they want to give as many players as possible a chance to play, and they believe this team is best suited to the threats Italy will pose.

He says one of their 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.

Erasmus expects Italy to come out firing and said their victory against Australia last week proved what a force they can be.

The Springboks take on Italy at 12.40am Sunday.

Springbok team to face Italy in Turin:

Damian Willemse, Edwill van der Merwe, Canan Moodie, Ethan Hooker, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Handre Pollard, Morne van den Berg, Marco van Staden, Ben-Jason Dixon, Siya Kolisi, Franco Mostert, Jean Kleyn, Zachary Porthen, Johan Grobbelaar, Boan Venter.

Impact Players: Gerhard Steenekamp, Wilco Louw, RG Snyman, Ruan Nortje, Andre Esterhuizen, Kwagga Smith, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok.

Source: springboks.rugby