Erasmus rings the changes as Springboks field new-look lineup for Italy clash

Erasmus made it clear in the build-up to last week's clash against France that changes were on the way for this weekend, and he has certainly delivered on that promise.

The Bok coach hinted that seasoned pro Handre Pollard could get another run at flyhalf, while exciting newcomer Ethan Hooker could get a run at center, and both calls have come to pass.

Pollard is joined by Morne van den Berg in what should be a fascinating half-back pairing, while Hooker is joined in the midfield by Canan Moodie in a potentially mouthwatering combination that showcases the Boks' wealth of young talent coming through.

Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe have been selected on the wings and Damian Willemse is back at fullback to complete the exciting new backline.

Up front, inspirational captain Siya Kolisi is back for his 101st cap - and hopefully a longer stay on the field this time around. He is joined in the loose trio by Ben-Jason Dixon, in what marks his first Test this season, and Marco van Staden, who will start at No 8.

The Bok coach has named a fresh front row of Boan Venter, Johan Grobbelaar, and Zachary Porthen, back for his second outing after his recent debut, while Jean Kleyn will feature in his first match since the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final when he pairs up with Franco Mostert in the second row.

Despite all the changes to the starting XV, the bench is virtually unchanged from last weekend, except for the return of Kwagga Smith in place of Grobbelaar, who has been promoted to the starting lineup.

"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," said Erasmus.

"One of our key pillars is to build squad depth, and it's great to have players like Jean, Handre, Edwill, and Ben-Jason back, who have all been in the mix in the last few seasons.

"Handre and Jean have played in Rugby World Cups, while Ben-Jason and Edwill have both performed for us at the highest level, and we are excited to see what they'll bring this weekend."

Of the decision not to include a specialist back-up hooker among the replacements, Erasmus said: "Marco played hooker for us at the World Cup, and he has been training in the position since, so it doesn't make a difference whether he starts at loose forward and moves to hooker, or whether we named him solely as the back-up hooker on the bench. He's a versatile player, and we are confident that he'll be able to do the job required at No 8 and at hooker if necessary this weekend."

Erasmus expected Italy to come out firing and said their victory against Australia last week proved what a force they can be.

"Their victory against Australia will also boost their confidence immensely, so we have a lot of respect for them, and we'll have to give everything to get the result we want on the weekend," he said.

"They've made huge strides in the last few years, and last week's result shows what they are capable of when they are at their best, so we are not taking them lightly.

“They have also beaten us in Italy before, they are a passionate and well-coached team, and they'll have an ardent crowd behind them in Torino, so we know what we are in for.”

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.