Roos is considered by many to be the best No. 8 in South Africa and there are high expectations of for the URC Player of the Year.

Roos made his debut for the Springbok in Bloemfontein in July against Wales, but this time around he is part of the bomb squad after being name on the bench.

Roos says he just wants to learn from the players ahead of them in the pecking order and he just want play his part on Saturday.

“I'm still excited and I'm struggling to sleep at night,” Roos said.

“It's been a while since I could represent the country, so it's always such an honour to do so. It's awesome to be part of the ‘Bomb Squad’ and mine is to bring energy, presence, and play like I normally do. I'm not going to try something different or new and hopefully, that'll be enough.

“There are quality players in the No 8 position in the squad. Duane (Vermeulen), who isn’t here, is such a role model and I have learned so much from Jasper Wiese and Kwagga Smith as well.

“It’s nice that the competition is there, but it’s also a situation where you learn from each other. I am still young and I still have a lot to learn. I am only 22-years-old now, so I am just trying to take everything in.

“If I get the chance, then I will try to make the full use of it and play to the best of my ability.

“I am always giving my best in training and staying competitive, but that’s the nice thing about this environment, it is competitive, but everyone looks after each other.”

Saturday’s Test between the Azzurri and Springboks 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