Rugby: Erasmus warns Springboks ahead of Italy match
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on The Namibian
South African coach Rassie Erasmus believes Italy remain a quality opponent despite three defeats in the Nations Championship and has urged the Springboks not to underestimate them. South Africa face Italy in Turin on Saturday, the first of three consecutive European away matches, reports The Namibian.
South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus has urged the Springboks not to underestimate Italy ahead of their Nations Championship match in Turin on Saturday. “They are a quality team” despite being ranked 11th in the world and will play in front of their home crowd, he told reporters, according to The Namibian.
South Africa won their first three matches with bonus points against England, Scotland and Wales in July. The world champions, who have 15 points like New Zealand but lead them on points difference, will next face France and Ireland away before a possible ranking match in London during the finals from 27 to 29 November.
Rassie Erasmus has selected 37 players for the tour, including 16 world champions, with back-rower Siya Kolisi as captain. South Africa will be without winger Cheslin Kolbe, the team’s leading scorer this season with 44 points, and lock Eben Etzebeth, both injured. Kurt-Lee Arendse and Ethan Hooker are expected to fill the wing positions, while Lood de Jager and Salmaan Moerat could replace Etzebeth.
The match against Italy will also be the Springboks’ first fixture before the 2027 World Cup in Australia, where they will aim for a third consecutive title. Erasmus’s Nations Championship squad was presented on 28 October as a youthful group in the Springboks squad for the Nations Championship.
