Overview
- Salmaan Moerat was a late withdrawal before kick-off in Turin on Saturday after back spasms flared during the warm-up, with Lood de Jager moved into the starting XV and Franco Mostert added to the bench.
- Rassie Erasmus said Moerat had experienced some spasms on Thursday, appeared fine at the captain’s run, and is currently the only casualty from the match.
- The Springboks beat Italy 66-7 at Allianz Stadium to remain unbeaten after four Nations Championship games.
- The coaching staff’s quick reshuffle underlined a reliance on experienced depth and continuity built over recent seasons to cover last-minute fitness issues.
- South Africa will monitor Moerat’s recovery closely ahead of fixtures at Stade de France and in Dublin, with his fitness likely to shape selection decisions for those tougher tests.