Despite the significant gap between the teams in the world rankings, with South Africa occupying top spot and Italy sitting 11th, Flannery believes the Azzurri have enough quality to make life extremely difficult for the Springboks.

The former Ireland hooker highlighted Italy’s formidable forward pack, impressive set piece and dangerous backline as areas the Boks will have to manage carefully if they are to begin their European campaign with a victory.

Italy will be without several influential players, including Juan Ignacio Brex, Tommaso Menoncello and Sebastian Negri, because of injuries. However, Flannery warned against underestimating their replacements, pointing to the depth within the Italian squad.

“We still respect them enormously. When they came to Pretoria last year, they were also missing key players and ran us very closely,” said Flannery.

He believes Italy’s scrum could be one of their biggest weapons, having impressed during the Six Nations, while their ability to execute the basics consistently makes them a difficult opponent.

“They have a really strong set piece. In fact, their scrum was probably among the best in the Six Nations, and that gives them a significant platform.

Jan-Henrik Wessels will provide cover at hooker off the bench - Morgan Piek

“They’re also a very well-coached team that does the basics extremely well. They still have players like Ange Capuozzo, who can break a game open from nothing.

“Brex is a really good footballer and Menoncello is one of the best centres in the world, but they’ve shown real squad depth. We’re looking at defending them as a team, not just individuals.”

Flannery also identified Italy’s kicking game and aerial ability as important factors the Springboks will need to counter.

He stressed that poor tackling could quickly prove costly against a side capable of making significant ground through its powerful ball carriers.

Jerry Flannery - Morgan Piek

“If your players don’t make their first-time tackles, Italy will make metres, and that’s what we saw in Pretoria as well.

“They have a strong kicking game, with players like Paolo Garbisi, who has an excellent left foot, and they have good aerial players, so we need to be strong in that area.

“If there are any scraps off the back of their kicking game, Capuozzo can create something from nothing, so controlling those areas will be key.”

Salmaan Moerat - Morgan Piek

With the Nations Championship building towards its Finals Weekend in London on 29 November, Flannery believes the demanding schedule provides an important taste of the intensity teams can expect in the build-up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

He likened the format, which sees teams face successive high-quality opponents over a relatively short period, to the pressure of knockout rugby.

“I think the tour is a good representation of what’s coming heading into a World Cup year,” he said.

“The squad must get together and play games consistently in a short period of time. For me, it’s almost like knockout rugby – the group stages, Round of 16, quarter-final, semi-final and final. It’s that kind of intensity.”

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu - Morgan Piek

Meanwhile, Flannery is pleased with the Springboks’ preparations after two training sessions in Italy. Having spent much of the international season together, the squad is familiar with the systems and structures required.

Although there is always room for improvement, he believes the priority is to reconnect as a group without overloading the players with information.

Saturday’s Test between Italy and South Africa in Turin kicks off at 13:40.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport