Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named a new-look team featuring 11 changes to the starting line-up for Saturday’s Test against Italy in Turin.
The rotation is part of a plan to build squad depth on the current tour.
Key Changes:
Handré Pollard returns to start at flyhalf. Jean Kleyn makes his first appearance since the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final, partnering Franco Mostert in the second row.
Captain Siya Kolisi, Damian Willemse, Boan Venter, and Kurt-Lee Arendse are the only players to retain their starting spots.
Ben-Jason Dixon and Marco van Staden join Kolisi in the loose trio. Van Staden will also serve as the emergency back-up hooker.
Coach Erasmus emphasized the importance of rotating the squad and acknowledged the threat posed by Italy, who recently defeated Australia.
The match kicks off on Saturday at 14h40 (SA Time).
