1. Maintaining Momentum With Fresh Faces
Rassie Erasmus has rung the changes, making 11 alterations to the starting XV that conquered Paris in what amounts to a complete overhaul.
A brand-new centre pairing of Ethan Hooker and Canan Moodie is perhaps the most intriguing selection, though the return of Hollywoodbets Sharks speedster Edwill van der Merwe on the right wing also stands out.
Up front, an experimental front row of Zachary Porthen, Johan Grobbelaar and Boan Venter offers further talking points.
Although the Boks posted comfortable 42–24 and 45–0 victories over the Italians in July, they should be mindful of the risk that too many changes can disrupt rhythm.
As effective as Erasmus’s rotation policy has been, there have been moments over the past two seasons where new combinations have taken too long to gel, resulting in sluggish starts and below-par performances.
Still, for all the noise around the high number of changes, a clash against 10th-ranked Italy on neutral soil is an ideal platform to deepen squad cohesion and build versatility ahead of the next World Cup cycle. Italy remain unlikely to get within touching distance of this Springbok team.
2. Italian Self-Belief on the Attack
Italy’s 26–19 comeback win over the Wallabies in Udine marked their second successive victory over the two-time world champions, an impressive turnaround after losing the previous 18 meetings.
That result will inject confidence into Gonzalo Quesada’s side, and while beating the reigning Rugby Championship winners is still a long shot, Italy do possess enough firepower to spark pockets of attacking danger.
The in-form Paolo Garbisi marshals a talented midfield of Tommaso Menoncello and Ignacio Brex, a trio capable of troubling the Bok defence if their forwards can establish even partial parity.
Out wide, Monty Ioane, Louis Lynagh and the electric Ange Capuozzo again showcased their Test-level pedigree against Australia, with Lynagh in particular producing a standout performance in Udine.
Although a Springbok victory appears inevitable, neutrals will hope Italy harness last week’s confidence to create some genuine attacking opportunities.
3. Bench Impact
If last week’s display at the Stade de France is anything to go by, things could get ugly for Italy in the second half if they fail to keep the opening 40 minutes tight.
The Boks’ famed Bomb Squad has the capacity to overwhelm teams through sheer physicality, and the thought of RG Snyman and Kwagga Smith entering fresh in the final quarter will be enough to make Italian forwards wince.
Italy’s best hope lies in early damage limitation. If they go into halftime within touching distance, they may buy themselves a fighting chance.
But if the Bok replacements reproduce the destructive impact they had in Paris, there will be little the Azzurri can do to stop a late onslaught.