Springboks team to face Italy: No Siya Kolisi as Rassie Erasmus makes big calls

Monday, 02 November 2026 at 07:15

byCharlie Elliott

Rassie Erasmus' Springboks begin their Nations Championship autumn campaign against Italy next weekend.

The back-to-back Rugby World Cup winners head into the fixture on the back of three impressive victories from three and will be keen to reaffirm their status as the world's best ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

However, South Africa will be without several key figures, with Cheslin Kolbe, Eben Etzebeth, Andre Esterhuizen and Handre Pollard all ruled out through injury.

Italy should not be underestimated, but the fixture offers Erasmus an opportunity to rotate his squad and potentially hand Test debuts to some exciting young prospects.

With that in mind, here is our predicted Springboks XV to face Italy.

Back three

The back three features a debut for Sebastian de Klerk, who earns his first inclusion in a Springboks squad after some impressive form for the Bulls.

He deserves an opportunity against Italy, having also scored off the bench for the Bulls against Scarlets this weekend. The fixture would offer him an ideal introduction to Test rugby.

With a debutant potentially starting on the wing, it makes sense to pair him with an experienced fullback.

Damian Willemse is the obvious choice, having established himself as one of the best players in the world in his position. He was part of South Africa's 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup-winning squads, becoming the youngest player to win the tournament twice.

On the opposite wing, Ethan Hooker offers a major aerial threat. Still only 23, he is excellent under the high ball and already has double-digit Test caps to his name.

Centres

In the centres, the experience of Jesse Kriel could complement the youthful talent of Markus Muller, who is also in line for his full debut.

At just 19, Muller would become the youngest Springbok of the professional era if selected this autumn. He is a generational talent, and throwing him into the deep end could be hugely beneficial, particularly with an experienced figure like Kriel alongside him.

Half-backs

The half-back pairing follows a similar approach, with another exciting prospect in Yaqeen Ahmed potentially partnering Cobus Reinach. Only 20, Ahmed has been in outstanding form for the South Africa U20s and would be an exciting addition to the senior side.

He has already featured for South Africa A, making a full Test debut the next big step in his development.

Front row

There is also some rotation in the front row. Malcolm Marx gets a rest, allowing Jan-Hendrik Wessels to come into the starting side, while the in-form Ntuthuko Mchunu replaces Ox Nche.

There is less need for change at tighthead, where Thomas du Toit and Wilco Louw can both share the workload, with Du Toit earning his place in this squad.

Second row

In the second row, youngster Riley Norton could make his debut alongside Ruan Nortje.

Lock is not the deepest position in the Springboks squad, so giving a promising young player an opportunity makes sense. Norton has already shown enough to suggest he can make the step up.

Back row

The back row remains particularly strong, with Pieter-Steph du Toit, Paul de Villiers and Cameron Hanekom all selected. With changes elsewhere, keeping this unit close to full strength provides some much-needed continuity.

Siya Kolisi could be rested, but South Africa would still have plenty of quality and experience in reserve if Italy prove a tougher challenge than expected.