RASSIE UNVEILS BOLD, REVAMPED LINE-UP FOR ITALY CLASH
The Springboks will hit the pitch in Turin with a considerably revamped side as they take on Italy this Saturday. Under head coach Rassie Erasmus, just four starters – captain Siya Kolisi, prop Boan Venter, wing Kurt‑Lee Arendse and full-back Damian Willemse – retain their places from the win over France.
Erasmus’ vision is clear: Rotate personnel, test depth and tailor the side to the challenge Italy poses. The bench features no specialist hooker, with Venter’s loose-forward partner Marco van Staden assigned as the emergency hooker, a gamble underlining the Boks’ confidence in versatility.
The new front row reads Venter, debutant Zachary Porthen and hooker Johan Grobbelaar; meanwhile, the locks pair up Jean Kleyn and Franco Mostert. The choice sees Kleyn back in for the first time since the 2023 World Cup final.
The backs get a fresh look, too. At half-back, Morne van den Berg partners veteran Handré Pollard, while the midfield sees Ethan Hooker and Canan Moodie, and the wings are Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe.
Erasmus admitted Italy are no longer the underdog; their recent win over Australia means they’ll be fired up and the Boks can’t afford complacency.
Image credit: The South African