Springboks Ring 11 Changes for Second Italy Test in Gqeberha

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has made sweeping 11 changes to his starting lineup for Saturday’s second and final Test against Italy in Gqeberha.

Only four forwards—hooker Malcolm Marx, prop Wilco Louw, flanker Marco van Staden, and number 8 Jasper Wiese—retain their spots from the team that secured a 42-24 victory over the Azzurri last Saturday in Pretoria.

Erasmus was reportedly displeased with the Springboks‘ subdued second-half performance in the first Test, prompting the significant overhaul. The entire backline has been changed.

New Starting XV and Replacements

Here’s the new starting lineup:

1. Willie le Roux
   
2. Edwill van der Merwe
   
3. Canan Moodie
   
4. Andre Esterhuizen
   
5. Makazole Mapimpi
   
6. Manie Libbok
   
7. Grant Williams
   
8. Jasper Wiese
   
9. Pieter-Steph du Toit
   
10. Marco van Staden
    
11. Ruan Nortje
    
12. Salmaan Moerat (captain)
    
13. Wilco Louw
    
14. Malcolm Marx
    
15. Thomas du Toit
    

The replacements for the match include Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Ox Nche, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Cobus Wiese, Evan Roos, Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Ethan Hooker.