Willie le Roux will become the eighth Springbok centurion when a much-changed South Africa side tackles Italy at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in the second Test on Saturday.
Saturday 12 July
South Africa | Draw | Italy
Handicap
SA | Italy
Rassie Erasmus has swung the axe for this Gqeberha Test, making 15 changes to the matchday squad after a Pretoria display he dubbed “frustrating”. Despite claiming a convincing 42-24 win, the individual performances of many of his most trusted lieutenants left a lot to be desired, and it shows this week, with just one 2023 World Cup final starter (Pieter-Steph du Toit) named in the run-on XV.
The match will provide those who have cracked the nod with an unbelievable opportunity to lay down a marker and possibly put themselves at the forefront of the Bok coaches’ minds ahead of a defining Rugby Championship campaign. With so many positions now potentially up for grabs, big performances from the likes of Canan Moodie, Andre Esterhuizen, Grant Williams and Ruan Nortje could mark a true passing of the guard in the national setup.
There are three debutants named on the bench, with Lions powerhouse Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Hollywoodbets Sharks man Ethan Hooker and Bulls bruiser Cobus Wiese all in line to earn their first Test caps. However, it has been le Roux grabbing the headlines this week.
The former Cheetahs flyer will join an esteemed list of Bok legends in the Windy City when he ascends to 100-Test matches. The veteran fullback has been one of the side’s most influential players over the past decade, with a rugby IQ up there with some of the very greatest in the game. Having debuted in Durban way back in 2013, also against the Azzurri, this milestone match is just reward for a man who has been a pivotal cog in arguably the most successful period in Springbok history.
As recently noted by flanker Maco van Staden in the media, the breakdown will be a key area on Saturday given how well the Italians managed to disrupt the Boks in that department last week. If the World No 1s are to produce a more convincing game at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, they will have to be more clinical in this facet of play.
While Italy definitely had their moments in the first Test, the exuberance and sheer desire of this exciting new Bok team should propel them to a comfortable win.
Verdict: Springboks on the minus
The new-look Boks to produce an improved performance and cruise to a more satisfying win.
