Rassie Erasmus has shuffled his Springbok pack for Saturday’s Outgoing Tour clash against Italy in Turin.
With 11 new faces in the starting blocks and Siya Kolisi once again leading from the front, South Africa’s head coach has blended fresh legs with tried-and-tested muscle for what promises to be a fiery sprint at the Allianz Stadium.
The Boks are coming off a strong 32-17 victory over France, but Erasmus clearly isn’t afraid to switch lanes.
Only four starters remain from last week’s winning lineup: prop Boan Venter, wing Kurt-Lee Arendse, flanker and captain Kolisi, and fullback Damian Willemse.
The rest of the side looks refreshed, like a runner shaking off the lactic acid before another lap.
A new rhythm up front
The front row sees a reshuffle with Venter joined by Johan Grobbelaar and Zachary Porthem, the latter having earned his first taste of Test rugby against Japan.
Behind them, Jean Kleyn returns for his first Test since the 2023 World Cup final, partnering the tireless Franco Mostert in the engine room.
Kolisi once again dons the No. 6 jersey, flanked by Ben-Jason Dixon, who plays his first Test of the season.
The versatile Marco van Staden, who’ll start at No. 8, but could just as easily throw himself into the hooking role if needed.
Erasmus brushed off eyebrows raised over the lack of a specialist hooker on the bench:
“Marco played hooker for us at the World Cup and has been training there since,” said the coach.
“He’s a versatile player, and we’re confident he can cover both roles.”
Speed and spark in the backline
At the back, the Boks have injected pace and power in equal measure.
Morne van den Berg and Handré Pollard will dictate tempo at halfback, Pollard’s boot as reliable as a stopwatch, while the wings promise fireworks with Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe ready to stretch their legs down the flanks.
Ethan Hooker and Canan Moodie bring punch in midfield, and Willemse once again provides the final line of resistance at fullback.
“We said from the start that we wanted to give as many players as possible game time,” Erasmus explained.
“This team is built to meet Italy’s threats, and it’s exciting to have guys like Jean, Handré, Edwill and Ben-Jason back.”
The bench mirrors last week’s depth, props Gerhard Steenekamp and Wilco Louw, locks RG Snyman and Ruan Nortje, loose forward Kwagga Smith, and the hybrid muscle of André Esterhuizen.
Grant Williams and Manie Libbok round off the replacements, ready to inject pace and flair when the second wind is needed.
Respect for the Azzurri
Erasmus is under no illusion about the challenge ahead. Italy’s stunning win over Australia has made the Boks wary of a team that now runs with belief rather than hope.
Check out what Rassie Erasmus had to say at the #Springboks team announcement media conference in Italy today – click here: https://t.co/VMIdZ1aroA 🗣#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/gXn6tz3b8Z
— Springboks (@Springboks) November 13, 2025
“They’ve made huge strides in recent years,” Erasmus said.
“We may have beaten them before, but their win over Australia shows what they’re capable of when they’re at their best.
“They’re passionate, well-coached, and their crowd in Torino will give them plenty of fuel.”
South Africa’s record against Italy remains dominant, 17 wins in 18 encounters, but that lone 2016 loss in Florence lingers like a stone in the shoe.
Saturday will mark their first meeting in Turin, and the Boks will want to ensure there’s no repeat stumble.
As the teams line up beneath the northern Italian sun at 14:40 (SA time), the Springboks will hope their reconfigured team runs as smoothly as planned.
Kick-off: Saturday, 14:40 (SA Time)
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Turin
Broadcast: SuperSport Grandstand & Rugby Channels
