Springboks make 11 changes for Italy Test
The entire seven-man backline has been changed while only four forwards, hooker Malcolm Marx, prop Wilco Louw, flanker Marco van Staden and number 8 Jasper Wiese, survive.
Italy's hooker Pablo Dimcheff (CR) tackles South Africa's fullback Damian Willemse (C) during the international rugby union Test match between South Africa and Italy at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria on 5 July 2025. Picture: PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP
JOHANNESBURG - South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus has made 11 changes to the starting team for the second and final Test against Italy in Gqeberha on Saturday.
The entire seven-man backline has been changed while only four forwards, hooker Malcolm Marx, prop Wilco Louw, flanker Marco van Staden and number 8 Jasper Wiese, survive.
Erasmus was angry with a subdued second-half performance by the Springboks in a 42-24 first Test victory over the Azzurri last Saturday in Pretoria after leading by 25 points at half-time.
Only one of the eight first Test replacements - prop/hooker Jan-Hendrik Wessels - retains his place as South Africa seek to extend a 100 percent home record against Italy to nine matches.
Explaining the major overhaul by the record four-time Rugby World Cup winners, Erasmus said he was "excited to see how this new-look team fare".
"We said from the outset of the season that we would rotate the team as we have a large and very talented squad.
"There are 13 World Cup winners - 11 starters and two on the bench - which shows the depth we have as we continue to build our squad for the next few seasons and, ultimately, the 2027 World Cup."
Full-back Willie le Roux will win his 100th cap in the eastern coastal city, joining seven other Springbok centurions, led by 132-cap lock Eben Etzebeth.
Reigning World Rugby Player of the Year and flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit returns to the team ahead of schedule. It was originally feared that a shoulder injury would prevent him playing during July.
Injury-prone Du Toit last wore the green and gold in a November 2024 victory over England at Twickenham.
Winger Edwill van der Merwe, who played in the opening 2024 match against Wales in London before being sidelined by an injury, is recalled for his second cap.
Lock Salmaan Moerat will skipper the team in the continued absence of flanker Siya Kolisi, who is suffering from a "niggle", according to Erasmus.
There are three uncapped players among the replacements - wing/centre Ethan Hooker, prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye and lock/flanker Cobus Wiese, a brother of Jasper.
"Asenathi, Cobus and Ethan have made a fantastic impression on us, both at their franchises and at training, and they certainly deserve this opportunity," the coach said.
Team (15-1)
Willie le Roux; Edwill van der Merwe, Canan Moodie, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi; Manie Libbok, Grant Williams; Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Marco van Staden; Ruan Nortje, Salmaan Moerat (capt); Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Thomas du Toit
Replacements: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Ox Nche, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Cobus Wiese, Evan Roos, Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker
Coach: Rassie Erasmus (RSA)