Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has selected a powerful, largely first-choice team for Saturday’s Nations Championship showdown against Italy in Turin.
With South Africa looking to maintain their position at the top of the world rugby rankings, Erasmus has resisted the temptation to make wholesale changes, opting instead for an experienced starting XV packed with international quality.
The Springboks will take on Italy at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, 7 November, with kick-off scheduled for 13:40 South African time.
One of the notable selections is the return of lock Salmaan Moerat, who is set to make his first Springbok appearance of the 2026 season after missing the opening leg of the Nations Championship and the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series because of neck and toe injuries.
Moerat will partner Ruan Nortje in the second row as South Africa prepare for what could be a physically demanding encounter against the Italians.
Siya Kolisi leads a powerful Springbok forward pack
Captain Siya Kolisi will once again lead the team from the loose-forward position, forming an imposing combination with Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese.
The front row features experienced campaigners Ox Nche, Thomas du Toit and Malcolm Marx, giving the Springboks plenty of strength and experience in the set pieces.
With Moerat and Nortje providing the second-row combination, South Africa will be looking to establish forward dominance and control the physical battle.
The return of Moerat is particularly encouraging for Erasmus, who will be keen to have his full range of lock options available as the international campaign progresses.
Settled Springbok backline offers attacking firepower
There are also plenty of familiar faces in the Springbok backline.
Morne van den Berg has been selected at scrumhalf, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu taking responsibility at flyhalf.
The midfield partnership will feature Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel, two experienced internationals who bring physicality, defensive organisation and attacking quality.
Ethan Hooker gets an opportunity on the wing, alongside Kurt-Lee Arendse, while Damian Willemse completes the back three at fullback.
The combination offers Erasmus a blend of experience, pace, creativity and attacking versatility.
Springboks opt for six forwards and two backs on the bench
Erasmus has selected a traditional six-two split on the replacements bench, providing additional forward power for the second half.
Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp and Wilco Louw will provide front-row cover, while experienced lock Lood de Jager offers another option in the engine room.
Cameron Hanekom and Paul de Villiers complete the forward replacements.
Meanwhile, Grant Williams and Manie Libbok will provide the backline alternatives.
The selection suggests that the Springboks are preparing for a physically demanding contest and want sufficient forward resources to maintain their intensity throughout the match.
Springboks looking to protect their position at the top
South Africa currently lead the Southern Hemisphere standings in the Nations Championship, level on 15 points with New Zealand but ahead on points difference.
The encounter against Italy is also important for the Springboks’ position in the World Rugby rankings, with the All Blacks closely monitoring South Africa’s results.
A victory would strengthen the Boks’ position as they continue their Nations Championship campaign.
Following the Italy Test, Erasmus’ squad will travel to Paris to face France on Friday, 13 November, before heading to Dublin for their final pool encounter against Ireland on Saturday, 21 November.
The Nations Championship Finals Weekend concludes on Sunday, 29 November.
Springbok team to face Italy in Turin
Saturday, 7 November 2026
Kick-off: 13:40 (South African time)
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Turin
Starting XV
| No. | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Damian Willemse | Fullback |
| 14 | Kurt-Lee Arendse | Wing |
| 13 | Jesse Kriel | Centre |
| 12 | Damian de Allende | Centre |
| 11 | Ethan Hooker | Wing |
| 10 | Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu | Flyhalf |
| 9 | Morne van den Berg | Scrumhalf |
| 8 | Jasper Wiese | Number Eight |
| 7 | Pieter-Steph du Toit | Flanker |
| 6 | Siya Kolisi (c) | Flanker |
| 5 | Ruan Nortje | Lock |
| 4 | Salmaan Moerat | Lock |
| 3 | Thomas du Toit | Prop |
| 2 | Malcolm Marx | Hooker |
| 1 | Ox Nche | Prop |
Replacements
- Jan-Hendrik Wessels
- Gerhard Steenekamp
- Wilco Louw
- Lood de Jager
- Cameron Hanekom
- Paul de Villiers
- Grant Williams
- Manie Libbok
Springboks’ impressive record against Italy
History strongly favours South Africa heading into Saturday’s encounter.
The two countries have met 19 times in Test rugby, with the Springboks winning 18 matches and losing just once.
Their record includes:
- Matches played: 19
- Springbok victories: 18
- Defeats: 1
- Points scored: 883
- Points conceded: 233
- Tries scored: 117
- Tries conceded: 21
- Win percentage: 94.7%
The Springboks will be determined to extend that impressive record and avoid giving Italy an opportunity to produce another historic upset.
With Kolisi leading a strong team and Erasmus selecting a largely settled combination, expectations will be high for the world champions.
CAN THE SPRINGBOKS DELIVER A CONVINCING PERFORMANCE AGAINST ITALY, OR WILL THE AZZURRI CAUSE AN UPSET?
