The entire Springboks seven-man backline has been changed while only four forwards, hooker Malcolm Marx, prop Wilco Louw, flanker Marco van Staden and number 8 Jasper Wiese, survive.
Springboks Reshuffle Squad for Second Italy Test
Coach Rassie Erasmus made 11 changes to the Springbok lineup for Saturday’s final Test against Italy.
The Springboks made a clean sweep of their backline with all seven players replaced for the Italy Test. Only four forwards retained their spots.
Rassie Erasmus expressed displeasure with the Springboks’ subdued second-half performance, despite their 42-24 win over Italy. Even though they had built a commanding 25-point halftime lead, the subsequent drop in intensity clearly frustrated Erasmus.
In a significant shake-up, only one of the eight replacements from the first Test, prop/hooker Jan-Hendrik Wessels, has retained his spot in the Springbok squad. The Springboks team will be aiming to extend their unblemished home record against Italy to nine matches in Saturday’s encounter.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, with a record four World Cups, is “excited to see how this new-look team fare.”
Erasmus confirmed season-long team rotation, leveraging their large and talented squad to maintain peak performance and develop players.
Springboks Boast World Cup Winners as Le Roux Reaches 100 Caps
Erasmus highlights 13 World Cup winners (11 starters, 2 bench) showcasing Springbok depth for 2027 World Cup preparations.
Willie le Roux earns his 100th Springbok cap in Gqeberha, joining an elite group of seven others, led by Eben Etzebeth.
World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit returns early from injury, significantly boosting the team’s strength.
Winger Edwill van der Merwe gets his second cap, returning from injury after playing in the 2024 Wales match.
With captain Siya Kolisi sidelined by a “niggle,” lock Salmaan Moerat will skipper the Springboks in his absence.
The bench features three uncapped players: wing/centre Ethan Hooker, prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye, and lock/flanker Cobus Wiese, brother of Jasper Wiese. Of the new inclusions, Erasmus commented, “Asenathi, Cobus, and Ethan have made a fantastic impression on us, both at their franchises and at training, and they certainly deserve this opportunity.”
Springbok Team (15-1)
Willie le Roux; Edwill van der Merwe, Canan Moodie, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi; Manie Libbok, Grant Williams; Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Marco van Staden; Ruan Nortje, Salmaan Moerat (capt); Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Thomas du Toit
Replacements: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Ox Nche, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Cobus Wiese, Evan Roos, Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker
Coach: Rassie Erasmus (RSA)
Current odds on the Springboks vs Italy Game
Betting Codes predicts the mighty Springboks to win at odds of 1.01 at 10Bet.
With the way Italy played last weekend, there may just be a draw in this weekends game or even possibly a win for Italy, worth taking a punt at these odds.
*Odds as of today, 11 July 2025 at 15h20.
