The Springboks will begin their November Nations Championship campaign against an Italy side missing several established players, but assistant coach Jerry Flannery has warned South Africa that the hosts remain capable of causing problems in Turin.
The match at the Allianz Stadium kicks off at 13:40 South African time on Saturday and represents the opening fixture of the competition’s November leg. Italy’s injury concerns include centre Tommaso Menoncello, scrumhalf Martin Page-Relo, loose forward Sebastian Negri and fullback Lorenzo Pani.
Those absences have not altered the Springboks’ assessment of the challenge. Flannery pointed to Italy’s work at set-piece, particularly in the scrum, as an area where the Azzurri can exert pressure and unsettle opponents. South Africa will therefore need to match the home side’s physicality in the tight exchanges rather than rely on Italy’s weakened selection to determine the outcome.
“They have a really strong set-piece, their scrum is up there with the best in the Six Nations and that gives them an edge.”
Past meeting remains a warning
Flannery’s caution is informed by the previous occasion on which the teams met in Pretoria. Italy were also without several key players at that time, yet still pushed South Africa close. For the Springboks, that result remains a reminder that squad depth and coaching organisation can compensate for injuries, particularly when a team has a clear plan at scrum and lineout time.
The assistant coach also praised Italy’s basic execution and the quality of their coaching. His assessment presents Saturday’s encounter as a contest that could be decided by accuracy in the routine moments: set-piece timing, defensive alignment, ball retention and the ability to make correct decisions under pressure.
| Match detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Italy v South Africa |
| Venue | Allianz Stadium, Turin |
| Kick-off | 13:40 South African time |
| Competition | Inaugural Nations Championship |
Defence under examination
The fixture also gives the Springboks an opportunity to respond to concerns about their defensive performance in their previous outing against Australia. Flannery said the coaching staff were unhappy with the way the team defended in that match, while acknowledging that Australia had demonstrated the danger it could pose.
South Africa’s preparations have consequently included a renewed focus on defensive discipline. Flannery indicated that several players who appeared in the Australia match were not selected for the next fixture, although the defensive standards expected from the wider group remain unchanged. The encounter in Turin will provide an immediate test of whether those adjustments have produced a more controlled performance without the ball.
The November schedule carries significance beyond the result in Italy. The Nations Championship Finals Weekend is set for London from 27 to 29 November, and the European matches will help the Springboks prepare for the intensity associated with the competition’s closing stages. The tour also comes as international teams begin shaping their plans for next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
That broader context adds weight to an otherwise familiar international challenge. South Africa are not merely being asked to overcome an injury-hit opponent; they must also show that they can impose their standards, defend with greater consistency and manage the pressure of matches that form part of a new competition structure.
Italy’s depleted squad may alter the personnel on the field, but it has not reduced the level of attention required from the visitors. With the home side’s scrum identified as a particular strength and the Springboks seeking a response after an unsatisfactory defensive display, the Turin contest will begin with South Africa expected to be alert to every phase of the game.
