Overview
- South Africa made 11 changes to the side that beat France, with Handré Pollard returning at flyhalf and Marco van Staden designated as back-up hooker in a 6–2 bench split.
- Italy kept faith with the team that beat Australia, making only one change with Marco Riccioni starting at tighthead and retaining a forwards-heavy bench.
- Rassie Erasmus framed the selection shake-up as a depth-building plan and cautioned that Italy’s confidence after a 26-19 win over Australia makes them a live threat in Turin.
- The Springboks’ new-look pack features Johan Grobbelaar at hooker and Jean Kleyn back at lock, while Ethan Hooker partners Canan Moodie in midfield and Edwill van der Merwe starts on the wing.
- Australia named James O’Connor at flyhalf and recalled Len Ikitau at inside centre for Dublin, with Max Jorgensen starting at fullback, as Joe Schmidt seeks a response after five losses in six Tests.