Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named a new-look starting XV for Saturday’s Castle Lager Outgoing Tour Test against Italy at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, making 11 changes to the side that defeated France 32–17 last weekend.
Captain Siya Kolisi will again lead the team, joined by fellow returnees Boan Venter, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Damian Willemse, who all retain their starting positions. Erasmus also made a single change to the bench, recalling Kwagga Smith in place of Johan Grobbelaar, who moves into the starting front row.
The new front trio features Venter, Grobbelaar, and Zachary Porthen, while Jean Kleyn returns for his first Test since the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final, partnering Franco Mostert at lock.
In the loose trio, Kolisi is joined by Ben-Jason Dixon, making his first start of the season, and Marco van Staden, who shifts to No 8.
Among the replacements, RG Snyman is set to earn his 49th Test cap, edging closer to the milestone of 50 international appearances.
Erasmus said the changes are aimed at maintaining intensity and testing squad depth ahead of next week’s Test against England.