Springboks team: World Cup hero makes long-awaited return against Italy as Rassie Erasmus explains Siya Kolisi’s absence

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has made five alterations to his run-on side for Saturday’s mid-year international against Italy in Pretoria, with Jesse Kriel leading the world champions for the first time in a Test.

Back-rower Vincent Tshituka will make his Test debut in an experienced matchday 23 for the Loftus Versfeld clash.

Erasmus named a squad that featured 13 players who were part of the matchday squad who clinched a 54-7 victory over the Barbarians in Cape Town last weekend.

With regular Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi sidelined due to a niggling injury, Kriel retains the captaincy, making him the 67th Springboks skipper. Meanwhile, veteran second-rower Eben Etzebeth, who is back from injury, will serve as vice-captain in this encounter.

The clash with the Azzurri will be a significant one for full-back Damian Willemse as he makes his return to the Springboks set-up for the first time since the Rugby World Cup final.

This, after a series of injuries curtailed the 27-year-old’s 2024 campaign, while a suspension for a dangerous tackle saw him miss the showdown against the Barbarians.

To Erasmus’ delight, Faf de Klerk, who was last in action against Ireland in 2024 before his season was shortened due to injury, will also return to the field along with Jasper Wiese.

Erasmus opted for largely the same backline that featured against the Barbarians, with the only new players being Rugby World Cup winners Willemse at full-back and Handre Pollard at fly-half, where the latter will combine with exciting scrum-half Morne van den Berg.

Meanwhile, Willemse will form an electrifying back three with speedsters Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse, while Damian de Allende and Kriel retain their places in the midfield.

There are three alterations amongst the forwards, with Wiese replacing Jean-Luc du Preez, whose wife is expecting a child, at number eight while Etzebeth takes over from the injured Jean Kleyn in the second-row, and Wilco Louw comes in at tighthead prop, at the expense of Asenathi Ntlabakanye, to pack down in the front-row alongside Ox Nche and Malcolm Marx.

Six/two split on the replacements bench

Erasmus opted for a split of six forwards and two backline players on his replacements bench, where veteran hooker Bongi Mbonambi will provide front-row cover along with props Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Vincent Koch, lock RG Snyman and utility forwards Franco Mostert and Kwagga Smith.

The two backs on the bench are De Klerk and Willie le Roux, who will make his 99th Test appearance for the Boks if he takes to the field.

“We have a big squad, and we would like to balance the game time within the group, while at the same time maintaining continuity in selection, and we believe this is the team that will be best suited for what we want to achieve against Italy,” said Erasmus.

“We are also fortunate to have a few experienced players back from injury, who will be keen to make their mark in the game.”

Commenting on Kolisi’s injury, Erasmus said: “Siya unfortunately picked up a niggle, but Marco did a good job at flanker last week and he is one of the core players in our team, so we are blessed to have such depth in the squad.”

Erasmus added: “If one goes through this team, there are so many leaders, and we were impressed with how Jesse accepted the responsibility of wearing the captain’s armband last week. He is a player who leads by example on and off the field, and he thoroughly deserves this honour.”

The Bok boss also expressed his delight for Tshituka, who delivered a strong performance against the Barbarians last week in which he scored two tries in his first game in the Bok jersey.

“Vincent has fitted into our structures really well and he showed last week that he has the potential to play Test rugby, so we are excited to see what he can do against Italy and to see him make his debut,” said Erasmus.

Commenting on what he expected against Italy, Erasmus added: “They are a quality team with a strong pack and quality backs, and their passion for the team and their country is incredible, so we expect them to throw everything at us.

“They also play an exciting brand of rugby, so it will be important for us to stick to our structures and deliver a quality performance all around to get the desired result.”

Springboks team to face Italy

Springboks: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel (c), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche

Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Franco Mostert, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Faf de Klerk, 23 Willie le Roux

Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Date: Saturday, July 5

Kick-off: 17:10 (local), 16:10 (UK)

Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU)

Assistants: Matthew Carley (RFU), Andrew Brace (IRFU)

TMO: Andrew Jackson (RFU)

FPRO: Tual Trainini (FFR)