Erasmus Names 11 Changes to Springboks XV for Italy Test

South Africa's rugby team coach Rassie Erasmus has named a significantly reshaped starting lineup for the Springboks' match against Italy on Saturday in Turin, making 11 changes from the side that defeated France 32-17 in Paris last weekend. The adjustments aim to rotate players during the year-end tour while maintaining competitiveness against an improving Italian team.

Only four players retain their starting positions from the victory over France: prop Boan Venter, captain and flanker Siya Kolisi, wing Kurt-Lee Arendse, and fullback Damian Willemse. The revamped forward pack features a new front row of Venter, hooker Johan Grobbelaar, and tighthead prop Zachary Porthen, who is set for his second Test appearance after debuting against Japan earlier this month. In the second row, Jean Kleyn returns for his first match since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, partnering lock Franco Mostert. Kolisi anchors the back row at number six, joined by Ben-Jason Dixon on his first start of the season at blindside flanker and Marco van Staden at number eight, with van Staden also covering hooker duties if needed.

The backline introduces fresh combinations, with scrumhalf Morné van den Berg and...