Springboks face Italy in Turin in Nations Championship opener
The Springboks play Italy at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Saturday, with kick-off at 13h40 SA time. Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said there is no room for complacency, and captain Siya Kolisi said the first aim is to win.
Stick said the start of the Northern Series is very important. He said the match is vital for building momentum before two tough games against France and Ireland. He called Italy a determined side and said the loss of injured players is big, but the team is still of good quality.
Stick also described Italy outside back Ange Capuozzo as one of the best in the world. Italy will be without Juan Ignacio Brex and Tommaso Menoncello, who are injured. Kolisi will earn his 108th Test cap when he leads the team out.
Kolisi said the squad is happy to be back together and is prepared. Asked about a bonus-point win, he said the team first wants the win. The Springboks have 15 points on the southern hemisphere standings, level with New Zealand.
The Nations Championship Finals Weekend runs from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November.
Key facts
- Who
- Damian Willemse (Springboks fullback); Springboks (South African national rugby team); Italy (opponents in the Nations Championship match); Siya Kolisi (South Africa captain)
- What
- Ahead of the Springboks' Nations Championship match against Italy in Turin, fullback Damian Willemse says the Boks take the tournament seriously and want a strong start. The article previews the match as a key pre-World Cup test with Italy seen as a significant pool threat.
- When
- 7 November 2026
- Where
- Turin, Pretoria, Gqeberha
- Status
- Upcoming