Autumn Nations Series 2025: Rassie Erasmus to unleash next-get Springboks against Italy in Turin this weekend
Erasmus hands young Boks opportunity to shine in Turin
If you would like an indication of the type of class, talent and depth that South African rugby possesses right now, all you need to do is go back and watch their match against France from last weekend.
Despite playing the entire second half down and man, and having three players sin-binned at different points in the match, the Springboks produced 40 minutes of sheer mastery to defeat the Six Nations champions 32-17 and confirm our rugby predictions.
While many nations would look to send out their best team to follow up on that type of performance, Rassie Erasmus, known for his unorthodox tactics, has once again gone against expectations, making 11 changes to the run-on team that demolished Les Bleus for this weekend.
It’s a bold move - but also a calculated one!
Erasmus has thrown down the gauntlet to a young pack of Springboks this week in what many consider a test of mettle for a group of select few who may have to carry the torch for the Boks' 2027 Rugby World Cup title defence - and beyond.
Donning the famous Green and Gold is the dream of any young South African player, and this represents an opportunity for those selected to put themselves in the eyeline of the head coach and possibly secure a spot in one of the best teams ever seen.
Eleven changes made to the Springboks squad for Italy clash
The only players who have been retained in the Springboks team from their victory over France are Boan Venter (prop), Siya Kolisi (flanker), Kurt-Lee Arendse (wing), and Damian Willemse (fullback), while Johan Grobbelaar has been promoted to the starting 11.
Zachary Porthen, who made his Test debut against Japan in London, has been brought back into the front row, while Jean Kleyn will feature in his first match since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final. Check out our Italy vs South Africa prediction for all the insights ahead of kickoff.
Morne van den Berg has been given the nod at scrum-half, and he will partner with the experienced Handre Pollard in the halves pairing. Ethan Hooker and Canan Moodie form an exciting partnership in midfield.
The Boks' bench is imposing and packed with power. RG Snyman is in line to feature in his 49th Test, while reinforcements for the pack include Gerhard Steenekamp, Wilco Louw, Ruan Nortje, Andre Esterhuizen and the terrier Kwagga Smith.
South Africa Squad vs Italy:
South Africa: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Marco van Staden, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Boan Venter
Replacements: 16 Gerhard Steenekamp, 17 Wilco Louw, 18 RG Snyman, 19 Ruan Nortje, 20 Andre Esterhuizen, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok
Italy Squad vs South Africa:
Italy: 15 Ange Capuozzo, 14 Louis Lynagh, 13 Juan Ignacio Brex (captain), 12 Tommaso Menoncello, 11 Monty Ioane, 10 Paolo Garbisi, 9 Stephen Varney, 8 Lorenzo Cannone, 7 Manuel Zuliani, 6 Ross Vintcent, 5 Andrea Zambonin, 4 Niccolò Cannone, 3 Marco Riccioni, 2 Giacomo Nicotera, 1 Danilo Fischetti
Replacements: 16 Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, 17 Mirco Spagnolo, 18 Simone Ferrari, 19 Federico Ruzza, 20 Riccardo Favretto, 21 David Odiase, 22 Martin Page-Relo, 23 Tommaso Allan
Match details:
Date: Saturday, November 15
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Turin
Time: 12:40 GMT (14:40 SAST)
Live coverage: Supersport (RSA) or via our rugby livescores
Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), Jeremy Rozier (France)
