The Springboks made six changes to their starting XV for the Test in Genoa and they will be desperate to return to winning ways following consecutive defeats to Ireland and France.

Italy in their turn have beaten Fiji and the Wallabies in their last two outings.

Ten months out from the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, the defending World Champions want to start building on their momentum.

Nienaber stressed the importance of the Test and said that the Azzurri will be confident on Saturday.

“Italy's victory against Australia will boost their confidence immensely going into this match,” said Nienaber.

“They defeated Wales away in the Six Nations and tested Scotland as well, so we are under no illusions as to the challenge that lies ahead.

“Italy have shown before what a force they can be at home by defeating the Boks 20-18 in Florence in 2016, and they will draw confidence from that as well.”

Saturday’s Test in Genoa kicks off at 15:00.

Italy – TBA

Springboks - 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Damian de Allende, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nché

Replacements - 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Evan Roos, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Manie Libbok

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport