# Italy will be no easy opponents, say South Africa

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/italy-will-be-no-easy-opponents-say-south-africa/
- Published: 2026-11-04T16:36:39+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T07:42:55+00:00
- Original publisher: CNA (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/italy-will-be-no-easy-opponents-say-south-africa-6524981
- Topics: Africa, Europe, World

## Key points

- South Africa say Italy pose a serious challenge in Turin.
- The Springboks won 32-14 at the same venue last year.
- A September loss to Australia has sharpened their focus.

## Summary

South Africa’s Jasper Wiese and Damian Willemse have warned that Italy will be difficult opponents when the teams meet in Turin on Saturday. The Springboks are favourites, but say they are focused on the match and will not underestimate the hosts.

South Africa are ranked 10 places above Italy and are seeking to stay ahead in the Nations Championship’s southern hemisphere section. They beat Italy 32-14 in Turin last year and have won 18 of their 19 meetings; their only loss was 20-18 in Florence a decade ago. Wiese also pointed to South Africa’s September defeat by Australia as a reminder against complacency, while the team has France and Ireland to face in its next two tests.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.