Rassie Erasmus Sends Strong Message with Experienced Springboks Team for Italy
The Springboks team to face Italy has been announced, with Siya Kolisi captaining an experienced side as Rassie Erasmus targets a strong Nations Championship start.
The Springboks team selected by coach Rassie Erasmus for the opening November Nations Championship Test against Italy features an experienced, near full-strength lineup .Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has selected an experienced, near full-strength team for South Africa’s opening November Nations Championship Test against Italy in Turin on Saturday, 7 November 2026.
The Springboks team selection reflects the coaching staff’s intention to begin the European campaign with a strong and settled combination. The selection shows that the world champions are taking the European tour seriously, with several established players included in the starting XV and on the replacements bench.
Captain Siya Kolisi will lead the side, while experienced internationals such as Pieter-Steph du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel will provide the foundation for the encounter. The Springboks team will rely on its forward pack to dominate the set pieces and create opportunities for the backs
The match is an important opportunity for South Africa to build momentum before facing France and Ireland later in the competition.
Erasmus chooses experience over experimentation
There was interest in whether Erasmus would use the opening match against Italy to give some of the newer players more opportunities at international level.
South Africa included six uncapped players in the wider touring squad, creating an opportunity to introduce fresh talent during the November campaign.
However, the coach has chosen a settled match-day squad for the first Test. According to SA Rugby, lock Salmaan Moerat is the only player in the selected 23 who has not featured for the Springboks this season.
Moerat returns after injury problems involving his neck and toe prevented him from participating in earlier international matches. He will partner Ruan Nortje in the second row, replacing the unavailable Eben Etzebeth.
Erasmus explained that the team needed a strong foundation because the three upcoming pool matches would be important in determining whether South Africa could reach the final stages of the competition.
The decision also reflects the importance of building combinations before facing stronger opposition later in the tour.
Siya Kolisi leads a powerful forward pack
Kolisi will captain a forward group containing several players with considerable international experience. Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Thomas du Toit will form the front row, while Moerat and Nortje will occupy the second-row positions.
The loose trio consists of Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese. This combination brings physical strength, mobility and experience to a Springbok pack expected to face a competitive Italian forward unit.
Marx remains an important part of South Africa’s approach because of his work at the breakdown, throwing at lineouts and ability to contribute around the field.
Du Toit also provides valuable experience, while Wiese offers the physical presence needed to compete in demanding international matches. The forwards will be expected to establish control through set pieces, ball carrying and defensive pressure.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu gets the fly-half responsibility
The backline also features a familiar group of players. Morne van den Berg will start at scrum-half, partnering Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at fly-half. The midfield pairing consists of Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel, two experienced players who understand the demands of international rugby.
Ethan Hooker, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Damian Willemse complete the back three. Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s selection gives him another opportunity to direct the Springbok attack and manage the pressure of an international Test.
His ability to combine attacking ambition with accurate decision-making will be important against an Italian side that will want to make the home advantage count. The absence of injured regulars, including Cheslin Kolbe, means other players will have to take responsibility in the back three.
Hooker and Arendse will be expected to provide attacking options, while Willemse offers versatility and experience at the back.
Six forwards and two backs on the bench
Erasmus has selected a six-two split on the replacements bench, giving the Springboks additional forward options for the second half. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp and Wilco Louw will provide front-row cover.
Lood de Jager will offer another option at lock, while Cameron Hanekom and Paul de Villiers complete the forward replacements. Grant Williams and Manie Libbok are the two backline players included.
The selection suggests that South Africa wants to maintain physical intensity throughout the match. The six-forward bench could become particularly important if the contest develops into a demanding battle around the set pieces and breakdowns.
It also gives Erasmus flexibility to introduce fresh forwards as the match progresses.
Six uncapped players still have an opportunity
Although none of the six uncapped players made the match-day squad for Italy, their inclusion in the wider touring group remains significant.
The players are Yaqeen Ahmed, Sebastian de Klerk, Luan Giliomee, Markus Muller, Riley Norton and Emmanuel Tshituka.
Erasmus has indicated that the coaching staff will expose the newcomers to the team’s structures and monitor their progress during the tour.
South Africa still has matches against France and Ireland after the Italy encounter, meaning opportunities could emerge depending on performances, injuries and selection decisions.
The wider squad therefore gives the coaching staff a chance to assess emerging talent while keeping experienced players available for important fixtures.
Italy presents an important opening challenge
Italy will host South Africa in Turin on Saturday, with the match forming part of the second phase of the 2026 Nations Championship.
The Springboks have historically enjoyed a strong record against Italy, but Erasmus has warned against underestimating the hosts.
Italy will be motivated to produce a strong performance in front of their home supporters, particularly as they look to improve their position in the competition.
South Africa will need to be accurate in its execution, maintain discipline and perform consistently for the full 80 minutes.
The match is also the first step in a demanding European schedule.
After Italy, the Springboks are scheduled to face France in Paris on 13 November before travelling to Dublin to meet Ireland on 21 November.
The pool campaign will be followed by the Nations Championship Finals Weekend, which concludes on 29 November.
Springboks target a strong start
South Africa currently shares the top position in the Southern Hemisphere standings with New Zealand on 15 points, but leads because of a better points difference.
A positive result against Italy would help the Springboks build momentum before two difficult away fixtures.
Erasmus has made it clear that the team is focused on laying a strong foundation for the remainder of the tour.
For supporters, the selection offers a familiar and experienced starting XV, while the wider squad still provides opportunities for new players to make their mark.
The attention now turns to Turin, where the Springboks will attempt to begin their November campaign with a convincing performance.