At this stage it remains to be seen whether or not the exciting fullback will feature in the starting XV or play of the bench, however, it seems as if Andries Coetzee retains the number 15 jersey.

The hooker, Bongi Mbonambi, is the frontrunner to start in the hooking berth with Malcolm Marx injured. A final call on the rock-solid Marx hasn’t been made yet, but it appears that he will not be risked with next week's Test against Wales in mind.

Pieter-Steph du Toit has completed his concussion protocol and has received the green light, and it is expected that he will replace Dan du Preez on the bench.

Ruan Dreyer is also fit and this left Allister Coetzee with a poser as to whether or not playing him or Trevor Nyakane on the bench.

This week will be the last in which Coetzee will have players such as Duane Vermeulen, Francois Louw, Elton Jantjies and Franco Mostert at his disposal before they return to their respective clubs.

Meanwhile, Coetzee, says discipline will be very important, especially with Romain Poite officiating the Test.

“We’ve worked on adapting to referees, we have Mr Poite again this week.

“It’s important for the players to keep working on their discipline.

“I was really pleased with our effort last week, but in their second half there were one or two silly ones which really put us under pressure.”

The last time these two sides met, Italy stunned the Boks 20-18 in Florence.

Saturday afternoon's Test at Stadio Euganeo kicks off at 16:00.

Expected Springbok team - 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Dillyn Leyds, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Ross Cronjé, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.

Replacements – 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 21 Rudy Paige, 22 Elton Jantjies, 23 Warrick Gelant.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport