The Springboks have started their end-of-year in fine fashion, first thrashing Japan before claiming a remarkable win over France despite playing the majority of the match with 14 men.
Next on their ‘hit list’ is a dangerous Italy side that is riding a wave of momentum after claiming a famous win over Australia this past weekend.
It’s likely that Rassie Erasmus will ‘refresh’ his team after a ferocious and emotional battle against France, with players who have yet to bank any game-time on the November tour now expected to come into the selection mix.
Springboks to name team to face Italy on Thursday
Once again, Erasmus will reveal his team selection later in the week, with the announcement set to take place on Thursday at 13:45 (SA time).
Reflecting on the latest result in Paris, Erasmus hailed the team’s character once again.
“The guys who started probably softened up the opposition a little bit, and the bench came on to finish it,” Erasmus said.
“Manie (Libbok) came on and Sacha (Feinberg-Mngomezulu) moved to fullback – that worked well – so I thought everyone had a good impact, but that impact comes from the players understanding that it’s a 23-man effort. In our case it’s 34 guys on tour and I think the plans the coaches made at half time made it easier for the guys who came on.”
Performing against the odds
Despite being a man down, the Springboks simply wore down the opposition and took their opportunities when it mattered most.
“We desperately wanted to win this game,” Erasmus said. “I know France are ranked fifth in the world and people will say you’re ranked No 1 so you should beat the team ranked fifth.
“Playing here, the atmosphere – I think the French can be so proud of their supporters and for us it was intimidating, but luckily we’d been through this in 2018 or 2019, 2022 and again in 2023, so the experience of the players showed at half-time.
“There was definitely not calmness, but making plans – mostly the assistant coaches and the players – and unfortunately some guys had to sacrifice. All credit to the whole group.”
