Erasmus names full-strength Springboks to face injury-hit Italy in Turin
Siya Kolisi will captain a near first-choice South Africa side against Italy on Saturday in the Nations Championship. Coach Rassie Erasmus left out all six uncapped tourists, while Italy are missing 17 injured players.
South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus has picked his strongest side to face Italy in Turin on Saturday, Daily Maverick reported. The team is largely the one that beat the All Blacks 3-1 in the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry (RGR) series. Many had expected Erasmus to try new combinations against Italy, with Tests against France and Ireland still to come. The Springboks have six uncapped players in their 37-man touring group, and none made the team. Daily Maverick said they are there to learn the team culture and get used to the Test environment. Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada faces the opposite problem, with 17 players out injured. Ten Japan-based players are in the matchday 23. They have not played since the RGR series ended on September 12, so the match gives them time on the pitch. The Boks are also still stinging from a 42-38 loss to the Wallabies in Perth six weeks ago. Erasmus made wholesale changes for that game. Erasmus said the next three matches are "vital" if South Africa…
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