Boks Ring the Changes as Erasmus Unveils New Look Side for Italy Test

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has overhauled his team for Saturday’s Test against Italy in Turin, naming a side with 11 changes from the group that beat France 32 -17 last week. Siya Kolisi continues as captain, with only Kolisi, Boan Venter, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Damian Willemse keeping their starting places.

Handre Pollard returns at fly-half in a reshaped backline that also includes Morne van den Berg at scrum-half and a new centre pairing of Ethan Hooker and Canan Moodie. Jean Kleyn plays his first Test since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, while Marco van Staden starts No 8 and will again cover hooker if required.

Johan Grobbelaar is promoted to the starting front row alongside Venter and Zachary Porthen, while Kwagga Smith comes onto the bench.

Erasmus said the selection reflects the plan to broaden squad depth and prepare for the specific threats posed by Italy, who defeated Australia last week and claimed a famous win over South Africa in Florence in 2016. He noted that players such as Pollard, Kleyn, Ben-Jason Dixon, and Edwill van der Merwe bring experience and physicality suited to the occasion.

South Africa have won 17 of their 18 Tests against Italy, but Saturday marks their first meeting in Turin. The match kicks off at 14:40 South African time.