Last week, I laid out five things I hoped to see from the Springboks against Italy. Some came true, others didn’t. But the one I wanted most – a 30-point demolition job – didn’t materialise.
Despite Italy fielding a second-string squad missing 17 of their regulars, and the Boks unleashing a near World Cup final lineup, we didn’t quite send the statement I’d hoped for. So here we go again. A new week, a fresh team, and another shot to remind the world why we’re the reigning champions.
1. Redemption – And Ruthlessness
Let’s be honest – we didn’t scrape by last week, but we certainly didn’t dominate either. The first half looked sharp, but the second half? A slump. This week, regardless of the changed lineup, I want redemption. I want the Springboks to put their boot on Italy’s throat and not let up. A 30-point margin isn’t too much to ask – it’s a statement we need to make.
2. The Moerat Moment
Salmaan Moerat has a huge opportunity – and pressure – on his shoulders. He’s been handed the captaincy, but the reality is that we’ve yet to see a performance from him that truly stamps his authority as a top-tier South African lock. With the likes of Ruben van Heerden and Cobus Wiese waiting in the wings, Moerat must prove he belongs – both as a player and a leader.
3. Grant Williams: Faith vs Form
Rassie’s selection raised eyebrows when the injured Grant Williams was chosen over the in-form Embrose Papier – and even more so when Morne van den Berg also leapfrogged him. I’ve been vocal about my support for Papier, who I believe is the standout No. 9 at the moment. But now that Williams is back, it’s time to see how he repays the coach’s trust.
4. Find the Fire Up Front
Two games in, and the Springbok pack hasn’t quite roared. Sure, we’ve seen flashes – a strong scrum here, a dominant maul there – but the trademark Bok forward dominance has been missing. Against a weakened Italy side, I want the return of that feared, take-no-prisoners Bok pack that has broken teams mentally and physically over the last six years.
5. Fringe Players Must Grab Their Chance
Rassie made it clear – he wasn’t impressed last week. This match is a golden opportunity for the fringe players to shine, and some of them may not get another shot before the Rugby Championship. The jersey is there to be earned. Now it’s time to prove who’s hungry enough to fight for it.
This week is more than just a warm-up. It’s a stage – and the Springboks need to put on a performance worthy of their No.1 ranking. No excuses, no stutters – just ruthless execution.
Go Bokke!
Springbok team: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Salmaan Moerat (c), 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Thomas du Toit
Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Evan Roos, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Ethan Hooker