Overview
- Rassie Erasmus named a largely experienced matchday 23 on Monday with Siya Kolisi as captain and Salmaan Moerat restored to start in the second row after a long injury layoff.
- Six uncapped players travelled in the 37-man touring squad to be integrated into the environment rather than debuted because Erasmus judged there was insufficient time to prepare them for the Italy match.
- Flyhalf prospect Yaqeen Ahmed reported a sore shoulder and Erasmus said a decision to send him home for scans would be made on Tuesday, leaving his participation uncertain.
- The replacements bench follows a deliberate 6-2 forwards-to-backs split, with Paul de Villiers listed as forward cover who can only fill a backline role in an emergency.
- South Africa lead the Southern Hemisphere table on points difference so the Boks view Turin, then trips to Paris and Dublin, as vital opportunities to protect their position and build momentum ahead of the Finals Weekend.