Vincent Tshituka makes his Test debut and Jesse Kriel captains the Springboks for the first time in a capped international against Italy in Pretoria on Saturday.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named an experienced match-day squad for the series opener at Loftus Versfeld, featuring 13 players who beat the Barbarians 54-7 in Cape Town.
With regular captain Siya Kolisi still sidelined by a minor injury, Kriel retains the armband, becoming the 67th Springbok captain. Eben Etzebeth, back from injury, has been named vice-captain.
The match marks a return for fullback Damian Willemse, who missed the Barbarians clash due to suspension and has been sidelined by injury since the 2023 World Cup final. Handre Pollard also returns at flyhalf, partnering scrumhalf Morne van den Berg.
Willemse forms an exciting back three with Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse, while Damian de Allende and Kriel continue in midfield.
There are three changes among the forwards. Jasper Wiese replaces Jean-Luc du Preez, whose wife is expecting a baby, Etzebeth starts in place of the injured Jean Kleyn and Wilco Louw comes in at tighthead prop alongside Ox Nche and Malcolm Marx.
The Boks once again go with a 6-2 bench split. Bongi Mbonambi, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Vincent Koch cover the front row, with RG Snyman, Franco Mostert and Kwagga Smith the other forward reinforcements. The two backs on the bench are Faf de Klerk and Willie le Roux, who is in line to win his 99th Test cap.
OPINION: Guys, cut Willie some slack
The #Springboks will face Italy with one debutant, a new Test captain and a returning player after more than a year on the international sidelines 🫶#ForeverGreenForeverGold
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 1, 2025
“We have a big squad and want to balance game time while maintaining continuity,” said Erasmus. “We believe this team is best suited for what we want to achieve against Italy.
“We’re also fortunate to welcome back a few experienced players from injury who’ll be keen to make their mark.”
Erasmus praised Tshituka, who scored two tries against the Barbarians.
“Vincent has fitted into our structures really well. He showed last week that he has the potential to play Test rugby, and we’re excited to see what he can do.”
On Kolisi’s absence, Erasmus added: “Siya picked up a niggle, but Marco [van Staden] did a good job last week. He is one of the core players in our team, so we’re fortunate to have depth in the squad.
“There are so many leaders in this group. Jesse really impressed us with how he took on the captaincy last week. He’s a player who leads by example and he deserves this honour.”
Looking ahead to the clash, Erasmus warned that Italy would be a tough opponent.
“They are a quality team with a strong pack and dangerous backs. They also play an exciting brand of rugby, so we’ll need to stick to our structures and deliver a quality performance.”
SPRINGBOKS – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel (c), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Bench: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Franco Mostert, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Faf de Klerk, 23 Willie le Roux.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
