Springboks vs Italy: Rassie Erasmus opts for a mixed line-up

The Springboks face Italy in Turin on Saturday, 15 November at 2:40pm, marking the halfway point of their Nations Series tour. After securing convincing victories over Japan in their opener and France last weekend, South Africa now turns its attention to Italy at the Allianz Stadium, only the second rugby fixture ever played at the iconic home of Juventus.

With upcoming clashes against Ireland and Wales still ahead, coach Rassie Erasmus has selected a refreshed starting lineup.

Owing to long travel times and the need to rest key players, he has made several changes from the team that took the field in Paris. Siya Kolisi will lead the side, with Damian Willemse, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Boan Venter the only starters retaining their places from last week’s match.

It's a relatively inexperienced match-day squad, including in the front row, where Boan Venter (28), Johan Grobbelaar (27) and Porthen only share 12 caps between them.

However, Erasmus knows what he is doing, arguesDaily Maverick sports editor, Craig Ray.

He notes that Italy may struggle to match the Springboks’ strength up front and in their bench depth.

Ray believes Erasmus’s selection for this fixture is a calculated move, setting the stage for the crucial encounter with Ireland.

"Rassie is no fool. He is managing them really well, and their fitness levels are very good at the moment. We saw that the way they finished in France and the way they finished in general.

"Obviously, they want to win this test match, and they need to win it against Ireland next week. The Springboks certainly, in the Rassie Erasmus era, have never beaten Ireland in Ireland. I think Rassie's record is one in five against Ireland since he's been involved with the Springboks, which was the victory last year at Loftus, so it's a big game."

To listen to Ray in conversation with John Maytham on CapeTalk's Afternoon Drive, click below: