Captain Salmaan Moerat says the Springboks must “fight fire with fire” at the breakdown when they face Italy in Saturday’s second Test in Port Elizabeth.
The Azzurri lost the first clash 42-24 at Loftus Versfeld, but took the second half 21-14 while disrupting the Boks at the breakdown.
Moerat is bracing for another physical battle at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
“It’s going to be a massive game. We are certainly not underestimating them. They showed real fight at the breakdowns last week, so we have to fight fire with fire,” said the 27-year-lock, who last captained the Boks against Argentina in the 2024 Rugby Championship.
“They’re a passionate team that pride themselves on their set piece, and many of them play together for the same clubs, so there’s great cohesion. They also have dangerous backs and a smart kicking game.”
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Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said the Boks needed to raise their game.
“Last week we started with good intensity, but [Italy] bounced back strongly in the second half. We need to be more effective in how we want to play.”
The Boks have made sweeping changes, with several players earning their first Test starts of the year, and three debutants – Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Cobus Wiese and Ethan Hooker – named in the match 23.
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Stick said the rotation reflects the team’s commitment to building depth.
“We trust every player in our squad. Some got a run against the Barbarians, and others are getting their first opportunity now. Everyone knows what’s expected, and we believe they’ll deliver on Saturday.”
Saturday will also be a landmark occasion for fullback Willie le Roux, who becomes just the eighth Springbok to play 100 Tests.
“To play one Test match for the Springboks is special, but to be selected 100 times shows the quality of the player he is,” said Moerat. “I grew up watching Willie play in Paarl and for Boland, and to see him reach this milestone is unbelievable.
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Stick added: “The first time I met Willie was during my sevens days. If you look at what he’s been through and how people criticised him in 2019, it makes us very proud of him. Many people don’t see what we see in him – he’s a smart rugby player who adds so much value to the team.”
Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
