The Springboks will look to bounce back from their losses against Ireland and France after they tackle Italy within the third of their finish of yr Tests on Saturday, 19 November. Kick-off in Genoa will probably be at 15:00 (SA time).
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Coach Jacques Nienaber has made 4 modifications and two positional switches to the Springboks workforce as they head into this must-win conflict, with wholesale modifications having been restricted due to the truth that Italy can’t be underestimated.
A have a look at the historical past books present that out of the 15 Tests between these groups, the Springboks have gained all however one sport, whereas their most up-to-date victory got here within the 49-3 thrashing dished out on the 2019 World Cup.
However, only a few will overlook the day that Italy surprised South Africa 20-18 in Florence on the finish of 2016, which was a outcome that many believed in the end sealed the destiny of former coach Allister Coetzee.
History is closely on the Springboks’ aspect coming into this conflict, however with new mixtures within the tight 5 and at centre, Italy might sniff a possibility to make a powerful begin and doubtlessly put some doubt into the minds of the South Africans.
Italy can even be using a wave of confidence after they surprised Australia with a 28-27 win final weekend, which was their first-ever overcome the Wallabies.
The Springboks ought to nonetheless really feel absolutely assured of claiming a cushty win this weekend, and are possible to implement the identical mentality that they employed in the course of the 2019 World Cup, which was to merely overpower Italy with their physicality.
In answering the query to the headline of this text, the Springboks definitely ought to NOT have anything to fear against Italy, however they SHOULD guard against any complacency.
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Below you’ll be able to see the Springboks’ current outcome against Italy:
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SPRINGBOKS TEAM
15 – Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz) – 81 caps, 65 pts (13t)
14 – Cheslin Kolbe (Toulon) – 22 caps, 61 pts (10t, 1c, 3p)
13 – Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 68 caps, 45 pts (9t)
12 – Andre Esterhuizen (Harlequins) – 10 caps, 0pts
11 – Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls) – 5 caps, 20 pts (4t)
10 – Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers) – 25 caps, 25 pts (1t, 4c, 4p)
9 – Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles) – 44 caps, 30 pts (5t, 1c, 1p)
8 – Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers) – 19 caps, 5 pts (1t)
7 – Franco Mostert (Honda Heat) – 61 caps, 15 pts (3t)
6 – Siya Kolisi (captain, Cell C Sharks) – 73 caps, 45 pts (9t)
5 – Marvin Orie (DHL Stormers) – 8 caps, 0 pts
4 – Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers) – 2 caps, 0 pts
3 – Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers) – 56 caps, 5 pts (1t)
2 – Bongi Mbonambi (Cell C Sharks) – 53 caps, 55 pts (11t)
1 – Ox Nche (Cell C Sharks) – 17 caps, 0 pts
Replacements:
16 – Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 57 caps, 65 pts (13t)
17 – Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers) – 69 caps, 5 pts (1t)
18 – Vincent Koch (Stade Francais) – 40 caps, 0 pts
19 – Eben Etzebeth (Cell C Sharks) – 108 caps, 15 pts (3t)
20 – Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) – 29 caps, 15 pts (3t)
21 – Evan Roos (DHL Stormers) – 1 cap, 0 pts
22 – Cobus Reinach (Montpellier) – 22 caps, 40 pts (8t)
23 – Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers) – 1 cap, 0 pts
Springbok file against Italy:
Played 15; Won 14; Lost 1; Points for: 701, Points against: 174; Tries scored 96, Tries conceded 14; Highest rating 101-0; Biggest win 101 factors. Win % 93%.
Milestones:
- Siya Kolisi is the second most capped Springbok captain having led the aspect in 43 Test matches.
- Eben Etzebeth is the second most capped Springbok lock with 108 Tests.
Miscellaneous:
- The whole Test caps for the Springbok beginning line-up is 544.
- There are 255 caps within the backline, with 289 caps among the many forwards. On the bench there are an additional 327 caps.
- The common caps per participant within the backline are 36, the forwards 36, whereas the gamers on the bench common 40.
