Overview
- Rassie Erasmus named Salmaan Moerat in the starting second row for South Africa's Nations Championship match in Turin, with the announcement made on Monday.
- Moerat returns from neck and toe injuries and has not played for the Springboks since July 2025, taking the No.4 shirt left vacant by the injured Eben Etzebeth.
- Erasmus publicly defended the selection, saying Moerat is a 'grinder' whose scrummaging, maul work and ruck-cleaning bring value beyond flashy plays.
- The matchday bench features a six-forwards and two-backs split, a choice that signals a preference for forward power and cover in set pieces.
- South Africa lead the Southern Hemisphere table on points difference over New Zealand, and the Turin selection is framed as part of a plan to secure place in the finals at Twickenham.