Both teams head into Saturday’s Test without several first-choice players due to injury. However, the Springboks have still named an experienced side, with enough quality and depth to get the job done before turning their attention to the challenging assignments against France and Ireland.

While those two upcoming Tests are expected to attract plenty of attention, the Boks are taking nothing for granted against the unpredictable Azzurri.

With next year's Rugby World Cup in Australia already starting to dominate conversations, there is still plenty at stake in the inaugural Nations Championship. The Springboks are also narrowly ahead of the All Blacks when the combined standings of the two competitions are considered, adding further significance to their European campaign.

Willemse, who will start at fullback against Italy, stressed that the team's immediate focus is firmly on the Nations Championship and the task at hand in Turin.

“It's almost like a tournament because we're playing for a cup over the next three or four weeks,” said Willemse.

“This is probably the most important week for us. If we lose this week, I think we're out of the race to reach the final.

“However, that's not really what we're focusing on at the moment. Our priority is to make sure we stick to the plan and execute what the coaches have put in place for us.

“Saturday's game against Italy won't be easy. They are a strong side, a very well-coached team, and they'll come up with good plans. We've got to stay focused and make sure we don't lose sight of what's ahead.

“We saw last year, when we played them here in Turin, just how dangerous they can be. They have a couple of injuries, but I know they still have some key players in their squad.”

Damian Willemse against Wales - Morgan Piek

The experienced back also emphasised that the Springboks approach every competition with the same level of commitment and professionalism, regardless of the opposition or the prize on offer.

For the world champions, there is no room for complacency as they look to build momentum and keep their hopes of reaching the Nations Championship final alive.

“Our approach is always to take these tournaments and competitions seriously. We want to get the right results and make sure we go all the way,” Willemse added.

“Looking at the team that's been selected, I think we've got the right personnel for what Italy are going to bring this weekend, especially after analysing them.

“Everyone is feeling confident, and there haven't been too many changes to the team. We're looking forward to getting onto the field on Saturday, making a strong start and picking up where we left off in the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series.”

The Springboks will be determined to make a statement in Turin as they look to bounce back from their disappointing 42-38 defeat against Australia in Perth and keep their Nations Championship ambitions on track.

Saturday's Test between Italy and the Springboks at the Allianz Stadium in 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