South Africa enters Saturday's contest in Turin as the heavy favorite against an injury-hampered Italian squad to open their four-match November tour. Despite dominating the historical rivalry with 18 victories across 19 past meetings, Springbok players insist the hosts possess the strength and game plans to disrupt them. The visitors are drawing on lessons from their September defeat to Australia to keep their complete focus on the task in Turin rather than upcoming fixtures against France and Ireland.
Key points
The top-ranked Springboks must avoid complacency against an injury-hit Italy to protect t…: The top-ranked Springboks must avoid complacency against an injury-hit Italy to protect their southern hemisphere lead.
South Africa is consciously prioritizing Saturday's match instead of looking forward to c…: South Africa is consciously prioritizing Saturday's match instead of looking forward to clashes with France and Ireland.
An unexpected loss to Australia in September reinforces the squad's determination to resp…: An unexpected loss to Australia in September reinforces the squad's determination to respect their hosts in Turin.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Nov 4 : South African rugby stalwarts are warning that Italy is not to be underestimated when the sides meet in the Nations Championship on Saturday.
The top-ranked Springboks are 10 places above Italy in the world rankings and favoured to win Saturday’s clash against their injury-hampered hosts in Turin and stay ahead in the southern hemisphere section of the new competition.
But forward Jasper Wiese and back Damian Willemse, both named in the starting-line up, warned it will be no simple task at the start of the four-natch November programme.
"It’s not going to be an easy game. They are a strong side, and they’ll come up with good plans," Willemse told a press conference on Wednesday.
"We’ve got to stay dialled in and make sure we don’t lose track or any focus on what’s ahead. We saw last year when we played them here in Turin how dangerous they are."
South Africa were 32-14 winners at the same venue a year ago and have lost only once to Italy in 19 meetings, 20-18 in Florence 10 years ago.
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