The Springboks Coaching staff believes the wholesale changes made to the team to face Italy will give them an opportunity to try different combinations going forward. The Boks take on Italy in the second test match at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape on Saturday.
Coach Rassie Erasmus has made eight changes to the team that faced Italy in Pretoria last weekend, with three debutants.
The Springboks players are wrapping up their training schedule. Players looked composed and confident during training session.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus has selected a five-three split in favour of the forwards.
Despite the wholesale changes, the Springboks are not underestimating the Azzurri. Flyhalf, Manie Libbok says he is grateful for another opportunity to start again.
He says he is focusing more on goal kicking with the help of his coaches.
“Our mindset is good amongst this group, and we are really looking forward to this game. The guys are locked in, like Marco just said now from Monday we started with our preparation and focus to execute everything. We had to execute it in our plans and all of that and our detail and that was nice to see there is a nice buzz around the guys as well vibing looking forward to Saturday,” says Libbok.
Ball carrier Marco Van Staden says they are targeting break down scrum where Italy excelled.
“They had a big focus on the breakdown and disrupting our play and slowing our ball down. So, we can’t get rhythm. So, that was a big tactical win for them. Just try to disrupt where they can but yeah, they played very well. I think our focus will be on what we can control to try and get us a good clean ball,” Van Staden explains.
Experienced Fullback Willie Le Roux will earn his 100th test match for the Boks on Saturday, while World Rugby Player of the Year, Pieter-Steph du Toit, makes a welcome return from injury to earn his 87th cap.
Lock Salmaan Moerat will captain the team taking over from Jesse Kriel, while regular captain Siya Kolisi deals with a niggling injury.
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