Team announcement

Vincent Tshituka will make his Test debut in an experienced match-23 named by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus for Saturday’s Castle Lager Incoming Series opener against Italy in Pretoria, with Jesse Kriel captaining the side for the first time in a Test.

News

Springbok assistant coach Daan Human and utility forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels stressed on Monday that they would not underestimate Italy in their opening Castle Lager Incoming Series Test at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, saying they respect the Azzurri immensely as a team.

Reaction

Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen, who surprised many on Saturday by taking the field at flanker off the replacements bench against the Barbarians, was excited about his new hybrid role in the national team, and said he looked forward to seeing how it pans out in future.

News

Springbok lock Jean Kleyn has been ruled out of the squad travelling to Johannesburg for the opening match of the Castle Lager Incoming Series after sustaining an injury during the team’s 54-7 victory against the Barbarians on Saturday.

Reaction

The Springboks planning for the opening four matches of the international season made a satisfactory start, said Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus after the victory over the Barbarians at a rain-swept DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday.