Rugby
Erasmus rings changes for Boks’ clash against Italy─── MORGAN PIEK 15:12 Thu, 13 Nov 2025
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made 11 changes to his starting XV and named a powerful bench for Saturday’s Test against Italy in Turin.
Although the Boks have shuffled their lineup for the clash at the home ground of Serie A giants Juventus, the team still looks formidable as they chase a third consecutive victory on their end-of-year tour to Europe. In the backline, Damian Willemse will start at fullback, while Edwill van der Merwe and Kurt-Lee Arendse will run out on the wings.
The midfield will be marshalled by Ethan Hooker and Canan Moodie, forming a fresh centre partnership for the Springboks.
Morné van den Berg. Photo: Morgan Piek
The experienced Handré Pollard will steer the side from flyhalf, with Morné van den Berg partnering him at scrumhalf. Up front, Marco van Staden starts at 8th-man, Ben-Jason Dixon returns on the flank, and Siya Kolisi captains the team from the side of the scrum.
Franco Mostert will call the lineouts in the No. 5 jersey, while Jean Kleyn packs down alongside him in the second row. Zachary Porthen earns his second start at tighthead prop, with Johan Grobbelaar at hooker and Boan Venter completing the front row at loosehead.
The bench carries serious firepower, with André Esterhuizen again covering flank and Kwagga Smith also included. Although it’s a six-two split, the bench has a near four-four balance, as both Esterhuizen and Smith can slot in up front or in the backline.
Interestingly, with Van Staden starting at the back of the scrum, Erasmus opted not to name a specialist hooker among the replacements.
Erasmus said they expect a strong challenge from the Azzurri, who will be buoyed by their recent victory over Australia.
“We may have beaten them twice in the Incoming Series, but they tested us well in both games and fought bravely,” said Erasmus.
Handré Pollard. Photo: Morgan Piek
“Their win against Australia will boost their confidence, so we have huge respect for them. We’ll have to give everything to get the result we want.
They’ve come a long way in recent years, and last week’s performance showed what they’re capable of. They’ve beaten us in Italy before, they’re passionate and well-coached, and with a home crowd behind them in Torino, we know we’re in for a real battle.”
Saturday’s Test at the Juventus Stadium in Turin kicks off at 14:40.
Springboks – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Morné van den Berg, 8 Marco van Staden, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Boan Venter
Replacements – 16 Gerhard Steenekamp, 17 Wilco Louw, 18 RG Snyman, 19 Ruan Nortjé, 20 André Esterhuizen, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok
