Italy are focused on their forward play so it will be a proper Test match, says Bok assistant coach

Springbok assistant coach Daan Human and utility forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels said on Monday they would not underestimate Italy in their opening Test at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, saying they respect the Azzurri immensely.

Italy may be ranked 10th in the world, but the Bok duo expect a tough encounter against the visitors, especially given their emphasis on the scrums and the quality of their rugby in general.

“Unlike the Barbarians, who do not play regularly, Italy do, so we will face a proper Test team on Saturday,” Human said.

“The one thing about the Springboks is we do not underestimate any side and we know Italy are focused on their forward play, so it will be a proper Test match.”

Human elaborated on Italy’s performances this season, especially their set pieces.

“They were competitive in their first two Six Nations matches and they have a 93% scrum completion rate, which says a lot about that area of their game,” he said.

“They also won four scrum penalties and got a penalty try against Namibia, who had a few players who have played in Rugby World Cups before, so we certainly respect them as a team.

“We are not sure who they will play in the pack this weekend, but we know it will be a good contest.”

Wessels, one of the Boks’ try-scorers in their 54-7 victory against the BaaBaas, also spoke highly of the opposition.

“I faced Zebre Parma and Benetton in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and we did our homework on those players then, so we know the emphasis they place on the scrums.

“Zebre Parma had one of their best seasons this year and beat a few big teams in the competition, so we are expecting a proper battle.”