Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth says the Boks are looking forward to Saturday’s showdown against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium and added that it would be a “nice opportunity” to try to change their fortunes in Dublin, where they last won a Test in 2012.
The Springboks will host England, Scotland, and Wales in July 2026 as the new Nations Championship launches with a northern invasion of the southern hemisphere, where every match will count as teams aim to finish the season as the top Test side on the planet.
Bongi Mbonambi (hooker) and Ntuthuko Mchunu (prop) will join the Springboks in Ireland on Sunday as national coach Rassie Erasmus and his coaching team prepare for their final two clashes of the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour, against Ireland and Wales.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus on Thursday named a new-look starting team for the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour Test against Italy at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Saturday afternoon.
It’s been a season to remember for young Springbok back Ethan Hooker, who continues to grow in confidence and maturity within a squad brimming with experience and unbridled talent.
Wilco Louw was still buzzing from the team’s 32-17 victory against France at Stade de France, but the big Springbok prop immediately turned his attention to Saturday’s clash against Italy in Turin, saying it would be another big battle.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and captain Siya Kolisi thanked the South African fans for their passionate support, as well as the coaching staff for the plans they made and the team for their gutsy effort as they both celebrated significant career milestones with a victory against France in Paris on Saturday night.
Siya Kolisi said he was thrilled about becoming the ninth player in Springbok history to earn 100 Test caps, and while the Bok captain thanked all the role players in his journey to get him to this point, he said a good performance by the team would make it a memorable occasion for him.
Springbok icon Siya Kolisi will become the ninth centurion when he leads South Africa out against France at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, with Bok coach Rassie Erasmus – who will guide the side in his 50th Test as head coach – making six personnel changes to the side that defeated Japan last week.