Erasmus announces experienced squad to face Italy

On November 2, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named a seasoned match-23 for their opening game of the second phase of the 2026 Nations Championship against Italy in Turin on Saturday. The match is anticipated to set the tone for their European tour ahead of the Finals Weekend a few weeks later.

Erasmus selected a largely settled squad with only one player making his first appearance in the green and gold jersey this season: lock Salmaan Moerat. He missed the initial leg of the Nations Championship and the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series due to injuries. Moerat is set to partner Ruan Nortje in a physical forward pack that includes Ox Nche, Thomas du Toit, and Malcolm Marx up front with captain Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Jasper Wiese in the loose trio.

The backline features regular halves Morne van den Berg and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, with experienced midfielders Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel. The back three comprises Ethan Hooker, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Damian Willemse. On the replacements bench, Erasmus opted for six forwards and two backs, with Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp, and Wilco Louw as backup in the front row, and Lood de Jager providing lock cover. Grant Williams and Manie Libbok will support the backline.

The Springboks currently lead the Southern Hemisphere standings, tied on 15 points with New Zealand but holding the top position due to a better points difference. They will next travel to Paris to face France on Friday, November 13, followed by a match against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, November 21, before concluding the pool matches on Sunday, November 29.

"We have three challenging matches ahead if we want to advance to the last game of the Finals Weekend," Erasmus stated. He emphasized that all focus is on the match against Italy. Some Japan-based players traveled to Italy early and have already begun working with the coaching staff, while the rest had their first training session on Monday afternoon, ensuring everyone is aligned.

The squad's majority has played together throughout the season, which gives Erasmus confidence that those who participated in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and French Top 14 will integrate seamlessly. He noted the importance of balance between seasoned players and newer players eager to make their mark.

Erasmus acknowledged the six uncapped players – Markus Muller, Emmanuel Tshituka, Luan Giliomee, Riley Norton, Sebastian de Klerk, and Yaqeen Ahmed – who joined the camp and expressed excitement about the tour.

The match against Italy, currently ranked 11th in the world, is expected to be competitive. Erasmus anticipates a spirited performance from Italy, who will strive to start their home leg positively in front of their fans and are eager to prove themselves ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. He emphasized the need for accuracy and consistency throughout the full 80 minutes, given the high stakes of the forthcoming matches.

The match kicks off at 13:40 (SA time) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.