Springboks make 11 changes for Italy with another unorthodox bench call

Rassie Erasmus has effectively ripped up the winning team sheet, making 11 changes to the Springboks side that beat France as South Africa look to maintain momentum against Italy in Turin on Saturday.

Siya Kolisi once again captains the Boks but he’s just one of only four players retained in the starting XV alongside Boan Venter, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Damian Willemse.

Almost everyone else gets rotated as Erasmus continues his stated plan to spread minutes during the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour.

It’s a full remodel up front. Venter is joined by Johan Grobbelaar and Zachary Porthen, the latter making just his second Test appearance. Jean Kleyn returns for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final to partner Franco Mostert in the second row.

Kolisi keeps the No.6 jersey with Ben-Jason Dixon – in his first Test outing of the season – at blindside and Marco van Staden at No.8. Following on from the Boks’ tendency to rely on hybrid players, Erasmus has once again opted to use van Staden as his back-up hooker.

The backs have been similarly refreshed.

Morne van den Berg and returning veteran Handré Pollard – who hasn’t played since featuring against the All Blacks in September – link up at halfback.

Edwill van der Merwe joins Arendse on the wings while Ethan Hooker teams up with Canan Moodie in a punchy midfield combination and Willemse stays at fullback.

In another unorthodox move, Erasmus has picked two second-rows and two back-rows on the bench as part of a 6-2 split, with Kwagga Smith returning after missing out against France last weekend.

RG Snyman, sitting on 48 caps, is in line to edge within one of the Springboks’ 50-club.

Erasmus said the reshuffle fits the long-term plan: “We said from the outset of the tour that we want to give as many players as possible a chance to play, and we believe this team is best suited to the threats Italy will pose.

“Their victory will boost their confidence immensely… they have also beaten us in Italy before. We know what we are in for.”

Springbok team to face Italy
15 Damian Willemse; 14 Edwill van der Merwe; 13 Canan Moodie; 12 Ethan Hooker; 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse; 10 Handré Pollard; 9 Morne van den Berg; 8 Marco van Staden; 7 Ben-Jason Dixon; 6 Siya Kolisi (capt); 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.