Springboks

The Springboks face Italy at 3pm on Saturday 19 November 2022. Photos: Backpagepix/SA Rugby

Springboks going into Italy clash with their eyes open

The Springboks are expecting a massive battle when they face Italy on Saturday 19 November 2022 at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Springboks

The Springboks face Italy at 3pm on Saturday 19 November 2022. Photos: Backpagepix/SA Rugby

The Springboks are expecting a massive battle when they face Italy on Saturday.

United Rugby Championship action has given many in the group a good idea of what to expect in Italy.

Italy chasing another upset against the Springboks

The Springboks are a scalp Italy would desperately love to add to their collection for 2022.

ALSO READ: PREDICTIONS – Springboks to win by 10+ points

Considering wins over Wales and Australia, teams with victories over the Springboks this year, Italy are a real danger to South Africa.

Springboks loose forward Kwagga Smith is expecting a bruising encounter.

“Many teams underestimate Italy and when they arrive here, they are surprised in the first few minutes,” said Smith.

“They are a good team and they’ve had good wins this year, so we have to make sure we pitch up with the right mindset and do our best on the field.

“Their results have certainly created awareness among us about the challenge they will pose going into the weekend. Their results against Wales and Australia were a wake-up call to show us that it won’t be easy.”

Smith added: “They brought in a few young players after the Rugby World Cup and they are strong in the scrums and lineouts, so we know we are in for a tough match.”

Out to improve

springboks
The Springboks will finally record a victory in their third end of year tour Test against Italy in Genoa – if bookmakers are to be believed. Photo: SA Rugby website

The Springboks are out to improve after narrow losses against Ireland and France.

“From our perspective we come off two close results against the first and second ranked teams in the world, and we feel those results could have gone either way, as there were a few errors that cost us as a team,” said Smith.

“The important thing we took from those games is to make sure we improve on our processes and systems and get better.”

Springboks battle for places

Smith revealed that the Springboks all had to work as hard as possible to be in the mix for selection, but he also enjoys the competition.

“South Africa has a rich culture of loose forwards, so for me it is important to just keep growing as a player,” said Smith.

“I like a challenge and it is good for us to have competition in the team. This week for example we have been trying to simplify things for Evan, so that he can just get onto the field and do his job.”