Full-strength Springbok team named to face Italy in Nations Championship
The Springboks have backed all their big names, who featured extensively in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry, for their first end-of-year-tour match against Italy.
Coach Rassie Erasmus has surprised many by naming a near-full-strength Springbok team for their opening match of the 2026 Nations Championship against Italy in Turin. The squad, set to face France, Ireland, and conclude with the Finals Weekend at Twickenham, includes all major players, with only injured regulars Eben Etzebeth and Cheslin Kolbe missing out.
Lock Salmaan Moerat, making his debut for the Boks this season, will partner Ruan Nortje in the physical forward pack, which also features Ox Nche, Thomas du Toit, and Malcolm Marx. Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Jasper Wiese will form the loose trio behind them. The backline is settled, with Morne van den Berg and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu as the halfbacks, Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel as the midfielders, and Ethan Hooker, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Damian Willemse as the back three.
Erasmus opted for a balanced bench, with six forwards and two backs ready to support. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp, and Wilco Louw will serve as the backup front row, with Lood de Jager providing lock cover, and Cameron Hanekom and Paul de Villiers completing the forward lineup. Grant Williams and Manie Libbok will provide backline support.
Erasmus emphasized the importance of the upcoming matches, stating that the next three are crucial for laying a strong foundation for the tour.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
