Rassie brings the muscle: strong Bok side and a 6–2 bench for Italy
Fourteen starting changes from the Perth team, a formidable Springbok core and a 6–2 bench: the full Italy match-23 and every change explained.
Italy can expect a proper examination in Turin. Rassie Erasmus has named a formidable Springbok side, with an experienced core and six forwards on the bench to keep the pressure coming.
The selection raises an interesting question about changes: how much can the Boks move players around without losing their edge? On paper, this combination still looks equipped to impose itself.
14 starting changes from Perth
The comparison is with the announced starting XV for South Africa’s previous Test: the 42–38 defeat against Australia in Perth on 27 September 2026. Comparing that team sheet with the Italy selection gives 14 starting changes. Ethan Hooker, at left wing, is the only player retained in the same starting position.
Five of the Italy starters were replacements for Perth: Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, Jasper Wiese, Morne van den Berg and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. Siya Kolisi also takes over the captaincy from Andre Esterhuizen.
That makes the distinction important: this is a familiar Springbok core, but a major reshuffle from the previous starting team. Moerat is the only member of the Italy match-23 making his first Bok appearance of the season.
Every starting change — Perth to Italy
1. Jan-Hendrik Wessels → Ox Nche.
2. Johan Grobbelaar → Malcolm Marx.
3. Zachary Porthen → Thomas du Toit.
4. Eben Etzebeth → Salmaan Moerat.
5. Franco Mostert → Ruan Nortje.
6. Paul de Villiers → Siya Kolisi (captain).
7. Elrigh Louw → Pieter-Steph du Toit.
8. Marco van Staden → Jasper Wiese.
9. Herschel Jantjies → Morne van den Berg.
10. Handre Pollard → Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
12. Andre Esterhuizen → Damian de Allende.
13. Canan Moodie → Jesse Kriel.
14. Edwill van der Merwe → Kurt-Lee Arendse.
15. Aphelele Fassi → Damian Willemse.
11. Ethan Hooker retains his place at left wing.
How the bench changes
Wilco Louw and Lood de Jager retain their places among the replacements. Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Paul de Villiers move from the starting XV to the bench, while Gerhard Steenekamp, Cameron Hanekom, Grant Williams and Manie Libbok join the match-23.
Nche, Marx, Wiese, Van den Berg and Feinberg-Mngomezulu move from the Perth bench into the starting XV; Quan Horn drops out of the match-23. Across the full 23, ten players are retained and 13 come in. The bench balance changes from five forwards and three backs in Perth to six forwards and two backs against Italy.
Familiar quality returns
Moerat joins Ruan Nortje at lock, with Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Thomas du Toit in front of them. Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese complete the starting pack.
Our take? That is a serious platform. There is enough quality here to expect the Boks to compete hard at the set piece and make Italy work for every metre.
Strength beyond the pack
Morne van den Berg and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu start at halfback, while Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel provide an experienced midfield.
That balance is appealing: decision-makers who can bring tempo, with a centre partnership capable of giving the attack shape. The challenge will be turning possession into sustained pressure rather than relying on individual moments.
The 6–2 tells its own story
Erasmus has selected six forwards and two backs among the replacements. Grant Williams and Manie Libbok provide the backline cover.
The tactical reading is straightforward: South Africa want to maintain their physical intensity as the game wears on. Fresh forwards can help sustain the scrum, carrying and breakdown effort when the starting pack begins to tire.
It also comes with a trade-off. With only two replacement backs, injuries can demand reshuffling. A 6–2 bench gives the Boks options up front, but it still requires careful management.
The CTK verdict
This is a strong selection with a clear physical emphasis. The names suggest South Africa have the tools to control the contest; the performance must show they can use them.
Italy will test the connections between players, especially if the Boks become loose or impatient. Winning collisions is useful. Turning that advantage into clean possession, good decisions and points is what matters.
The team sheet has plenty of muscle. Now the Boks need to give it purpose.
Springbok starting XV to face Italy
15. Damian Willemse
14. Kurt-Lee Arendse
13. Jesse Kriel
12. Damian de Allende
11. Ethan Hooker
10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
9. Morne van den Berg
8. Jasper Wiese
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit
6. Siya Kolisi (captain)
5. Ruan Nortje
4. Salmaan Moerat
3. Thomas du Toit
2. Malcolm Marx
1. Ox Nche
Replacements — six forwards, two backs
16. Jan-Hendrik Wessels
17. Gerhard Steenekamp
18. Wilco Louw
19. Lood de Jager
20. Cameron Hanekom
21. Paul de Villiers
22. Grant Williams
23. Manie Libbok