Italy must be unpredictable against Erasmus’s Springboks, says Quesada

Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada says his side must use unpredictable tactics to challenge South Africa in Saturday’s Nations Championship match in Turin. He praised Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus as world rugby’s best and said South Africa’s strong selection showed respect for Italy.

Italy lost all three of its Nations Championship matches in July and will be without several key players, including captain Michele Lamaro and centres Tommaso Menoncello and Juan Ignacio Brex. Quesada has named experienced players such as Danilo Fischetti, Stephen Varney, Ross Vintcent and Tommaso Allan among the replacements, citing workload and preparation as factors in selection.