With the tournament's Finals Weekend fast approaching, the encounter represents an important opportunity for the world champions to strengthen their position at the top of the Southern Hemisphere standings and build momentum for the challenges awaiting them in Europe.

Erasmus has named a largely settled match-23, with lock Salmaan Moerat the only player selected who has yet to feature for the Springboks this season. Moerat returns to the national set-up after missing the opening phase of the competition and the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Series because of neck and toe injuries.

Thomas du Toit - Morgan Piek

He will partner Ruan Nortjé in the second row, forming part of a formidable forward pack. Ox Nche, Thomas du Toit and Malcolm Marx make up the front row, while captain Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese complete the loose trio.

There is also plenty of experience and firepower in the backline, with Morne van den Berg and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu combining at halfback. Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel will provide the midfield muscle, while Ethan Hooker, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Damian Willemse are entrusted with the back three.

The replacements consist of six forwards and two backs. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp and Wilco Louw provide front-row cover, with Lood de Jager offering additional options at lock. Cameron Hanekom and Paul de Villiers complete the forward contingent, while Grant Williams and Manie Libbok are the backline replacements.

South Africa currently lead the Southern Hemisphere standings on 15 points, level with New Zealand but ahead on points difference. After Italy, the Springboks face France in Paris on Friday, 13 November, before travelling to Dublin for a showdown with Ireland on Saturday, 21 November.

Erasmus stressed that a strong start in Turin would be crucial to their ambitions.

"We have three challenging matches ahead if we want to advance to the last game of the Finals Weekend, so our next three matches are going to be vital to lay a strong foundation for the tour," he said.

Manie Libbok - Morgan Piek

He added that players arriving from Japan, the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and France's Top 14 would bring a useful combination of freshness and match sharpness to the squad.

The coach also highlighted the potential of six uncapped players travelling with the team, namely Markus Muller, Emmanuel Tshituka, Luan Giliomee, Riley Norton, Sebastian de Klerk and Yaqeen Ahmed. All six will be assessed during the tour, with opportunities to make their mark potentially coming against quality opposition.

Italy, meanwhile, will be eager to make home advantage count. Currently ranked 11th in the world, the hosts are expected to provide a stern chalennge despite being without several injured players themselves.

Jesse Kriel - Morgan Piek

Erasmus warned that the Italians possess quality throughout their squad and will be highly motivated, particularly with the 2027 Rugby World Cup on the horizon.

For the Springboks, accuracy, discipline and maintaining intensity for the full 80 minutes will be essential.

Saturday’s Test in Turin kicks off at 13:40.

Italy – TBA

Springboks - 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morné van den Berg, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nché

Replacements - 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Cameron Hanekom, 21 Paul de Villiers, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok

Morgan Piek OFM Sport