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Italy will be no easy opponents, say South Africa
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.
In short
- 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.
Explained simply
South Africa, known as the Springboks, are one of rugby union’s leading international teams. Italy are also a regular international side, and the teams have met many times over the years.
The Nations Championship groups international fixtures into northern and southern hemisphere sections. South Africa’s place in its section depends on results across several matches, while games against Italy, France and Ireland form part of a demanding run of tests.
South Africa have usually beaten Italy, but Italy have won once in the teams’ 19 meetings. Their past results help explain why South Africa are favourites, while the teams’ rankings and recent matches provide context for the challenge.