Fresh-faced forwards and backline shake-up for Springboks’ clash with Italy

The Springboks have rung the changes ahead of their clash with Italy in Turin on Saturday, with coach Rassie Erasmus making 11 alterations to his starting XV and one on the bench from the side that defeated France 32-17 in Paris last weekend.

Erasmus has opted for a fresh-faced pack of forwards, with only captain Siya Kolisi, lock Franco Mostert, and No 8 Marco van Staden boasting more than 30 Test caps in the starting lineup. Van Staden will also act as the second hooker, with no specialist selected on the replacement bench.

The rest of the pack features players with fewer than 10 appearances, as the Bok coach tests his depth on the European tour while giving some experienced guys a break following the tough outing against the French.

Kolisi will again lead the team in what will be a vastly new-look outfit for the duel at the Allianz Stadium. The players who retain their places in the starting team include Boan Venter (prop), Kolisi (flanker), Kurt-Lee Arendse (wing), and Damian Willemse (fullback).

The bench remains largely unchanged, with loose forward Kwagga Smith returning in place of hooker Johan Grobbelaar, who steps up to the starting XV.

Erasmus named a completely fresh front row of Venter, Grobbelaar, and Zachary Porthen, who made his debut against Japan in London. In the second row, Jean Kleyn returns for his first appearance since the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final, partnering Mostert in the engine room.

Kolisi continues at openside flank alongside Ben-Jason Dixon, who earns his first start of the season. Among the replacements, RG Snyman is in line to collect his 49th Test cap, edging him closer to a big milestone.

Handré Pollard is back at flyhalf and partners the livewire Morné van den Berg in a very balanced halfback combination, while the midfield partnership of Ethan Hooker and Canan Moodie is an exciting prospect.

“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, Handré, Edwill, and Ben-Jason back, who have all been in the mix in the last few seasons. Handré 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.

“Marco is 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.”

Springboks XV

15 Damian Willemse, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Kurt-Lee Arende, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Morné van den Berg, 8 Marco van Staden, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, Jean Kleyn, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Boan Venter.

Replacements: 16 Gerhard Steenekamp, 17 Wilco Louw, 18 RG Snyman, 19 Ruan Nortjé, 20 André Esterhuizen, 21 Kwagga Smith 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok