Springboks make 11 changes for Italy Test

Pallade Veneta - Springboks make 11 changes for Italy Test

SPORTS 08.07.2025

Springboks make 11 changes for Italy Test / Photo: PHILL MAGAKOE - AFP/File

South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus has made 11 changes to the starting team for the second and final Test against Italy in Gqeberha on Saturday.

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The entire seven-man backline has been changed while only four forwards, hooker Malcolm Marx, prop Wilco Louw, flanker Marco van Staden and number 8 Jasper Wiese, survive.

Erasmus was angry with a subdued second-half performance by the Springboks in a 42-24 first Test victory over the Azzurri last Saturday in Pretoria.

Team (15-1)

Willie le Roux; Edwill van der Merwe, Canan Moodie, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi; Manie Libbok, Grant Williams; Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Marco van Staden; Ruan Nortje, Salmaan Moerat (capt); Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Thomas du Toit

Replacements: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Ox Nche, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Cobus Wiese, Evan Roos, Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker

Coach: Rassie Erasmus (RSA)

M.Romero--PV

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Pallade Veneta - Springboks make 11 changes for Italy Test