Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has rung the changes for Saturday’s fixture against Italy in Turin, naming a new-look starting XV that will again be captained by Siya Kolisi. Erasmus has made 11 changes to the side that beat France 32-17 last weekend, with only Boan Venter, Kolisi, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Damian Willemse retaining their places in the run-on team.
The reshuffle reflects Erasmus’ stated intent to build squad depth, with opportunities handed to Jean Kleyn, back for his first Test since the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final, and Handre Pollard, restored at flyhalf. Morne van den Berg partners Pollard at halfback, while Ethan Hooker and Canan Moodie form a powerful centre pairing. Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe patrol the wings, with Willemse at fullback.
RG Snyman, named among the replacements, is in line for his 49th Test cap – one short of the half-century milestone. The bench features continuity, with Kwagga Smith returning in place of Johan Grobbelaar, who has been promoted to the starting lineup. Marco van Staden, starting at No 8, doubles as back-up hooker, a tactical nod to his versatility.
Erasmus on Italy
Erasmus acknowledged Italy’s growing threat, particularly after their 26-19 victory over Australia last weekend. “Their victory against Australia will boost their confidence immensely. We may have won both our matches against them in July, but they tested us well. They’ve beaten us before in Italy, and we know what we are in for with a passionate crowd behind them in Torino,” he said.
Head-to-head
Played: 18 – South Africa leads 17-1
Points for: South Africa 851 / Italy 219
Biggest win: 101-0 (1999)
Italy’s sole victory: 20-18 in Florence, 2016
This will be the first meeting between the sides in Turin. The Springboks have won the last five fixtures, scoring 35 points or more each time, including back-to-back wins in Pretoria (42-24) and Gqeberha (45-0) earlier this year.
Rankings context
South Africa cannot lose top spot in the World Rugby Rankings this weekend, even if Italy pull off an upset. The Springboks are 14.08 rating points clear of the Azzurri, meaning a win for Kolisi’s men will not improve their tally but will secure their No 1 status. Italy, however, could climb at least one place if they beat South Africa and Scotland lose to Argentina.
Italy’s form
Italy arrive buoyed by their second consecutive win over Australia, a landmark result that showcased their resilience and attacking flair. Louis Lynagh and Monty Ioane scored decisive tries in Udine, while Paolo Garbisi’s boot proved pivotal. Under coach Gonzalo Quesada, Italy have won 37% of their matches since 2023 and continue to build belief.
South Africa’s form
South Africa are riding a five-match winning streak, including victories over France, Japan and Argentina. Flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has been in prolific form, but Erasmus has opted to restore Pollard for this clash. The Springboks’ defensive discipline and turnover efficiency were hallmarks of their Rugby Championship triumph earlier this year, and they will look to impose similar control in Turin.
Kick-off
The match kicks off at 14h40 (SA time) / 12h40 GMT at Allianz Stadium, Turin, and will be broadcast live on SuperSport’s Grandstand and Rugby channels.
Prediction
South Africa by 15–20 points. Italy may ride the emotion early and score, but the Springboks’ power game and bench impact should see them pull clear in the second half.