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.

Springbok lock Lood de Jager will miss the remainder of the end-of-year tour after an independent disciplinary committee upheld his red-card in the 32-17 victory over France at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday. 

After missing the end-of-year tour last season through injury, Damian Willemse is relishing every moment of being back in the Springbok environment as the four-time World Champions prepare to face Italy at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.

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. 

The rugby world waited with bated breath for the most highly anticipated fixture of this Autumn Nations Series as four-time, back-to-back World Champions and current world number one, South Africa, took on Six Nations Champions France in what proved to be a highly-charged, pulsating and physical encounter. A dramatic table had been laid as both

As Springbok captain Siya Kolisi reaches another remarkable milestone this weekend when he runs out for his 100th Test for South Africa, but true to his character, the double World Cup-winning skipper insists that the team’s performance matters more than his personal achievement.

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.