While the Boks managed to pull off an epic 32-17 victory over Les Bleus at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday – and that with only 14 men – the Azzurri will present a different kind of challenge. They will be bringing their own brand of raw physicality, more reminiscent of Argentina’s style.

Italy themselves will be motivated and carry renewed confidence when they run out against South Africa, having rolled over the Wallabies 26-19 at Stadio Friuli in Udine at the weekend.

In addition, they faced the Boks twice earlier this year during their tour to South Africa. The Springboks claimed 42-24 and 45-0 victories at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria and the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, respectively. The Six Nations outfit will be eager to atone for those defeats and will certainly remember their historic 20-18 triumph over the Boks in Florence – almost nine years to the day.

Springbok attack coach Tony Brown said while they’ve taken plenty of confidence from shutting down Les Bleus last week, the focus has now shifted fully to Italy – a tricky opponent who will be fired up on home soil.

“The France game was massive, and it had been built up for a long time,” said the former All Blacks and Otago Highlanders flyhalf.

“There was a lot of talk in France about revenge, but that’s behind us now. The whole team has moved on, and we’re focusing on Italy.

“If you watched them against Australia, you’ll know they’re going to be a tough team. This weekend will be a big challenge for us.

“They’re passionate at home, much like the French, so we’ve got to make sure our preparation is spot on and that we tick every box like we did against France.”

Tony Brown in Bloemfontein. Photo: Morgan Piek

Brown dismissed the notion that the Azzurri would be a lesser opponent, saying the Italians are very similar to Los Pumas – they like to move the ball around and relish the physical contest.

“They’re a physical side and they play differently to France,” said Brown.

“They pose different challenges with ball in hand, and they’re coached very much in the Argentinean mould – they enjoy throwing the ball around.

Lood de Jager being shown a red card by Angus Gardener. Photo: X

“Their game has improved a lot over the last couple of years, and they’re a dangerous side. We have to make sure we understand their threats and prepare properly.

“They were outstanding against Australia. They pose a real danger at the breakdown, having won numerous turnovers, but they’re also lethal when given space and opportunities. We’re not taking them lightly, and we’ll prepare accordingly.

“If our preparation is off, there’s no doubt they’ll be very dangerous on Saturday.”

??? "I believe there's enough of a wrap on the far side for it to be a fair tackle."

England's 1-point win at Twickenham in 2018 will forever be remembered for Owen Farrell's tackle on Andre Esterhuizen in the dying minutes.. pic.twitter.com/wQG86pw4md

— SuperSport ?? (@SuperSportTV) November 18, 2021

Meanwhile, the Springboks are still awaiting the outcome of former Cheetahs lock Lood de Jager’s disciplinary hearing after he was red-carded in the 38th minute for a reckless tackle on Thomas Ramos. 

De Jager is set to appear on Tuesday, and if history is anything to go by, a ban could be looming.

Saturday’s Test between the Azzurri and the Springboks at the iconic San Siro in Turin will kick off at 14:40.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs