Vincent Tshituka is set to make his Test debut in a seasoned matchday lineup selected by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus for Saturday’s Incoming Series opener against Italy in Pretoria. Jesse Kriel will lead the team as captain for the first time in a Test match.
Erasmus has picked a squad that includes 13 players who previously triumphed over the Barbarians with a score of 54-7 in Cape Town. With regular Springbok captain Siya Kolisi sidelined due to a minor injury sustained last week, Kriel will continue as captain, making him the 67th player to hold that title for the Springboks. Eben Etzebeth, returning from an injury, will act as vice-captain for this game.
The Test also holds special significance for Damian Willemse, who rejoins the Springboks for the first time since the World Cup Final after injuries limited his participation in the 2024 season. He missed the game against the Barbarians due to a suspension from a dangerous tackle.
Rassie Erasmus is pleased to have Faf de Klerk back on the field; he last played in the green and gold jersey against Ireland in 2024 before an injury ended his season early. Jasper Wiese will also return alongside him.
Erasmus has chosen mostly the same backline that faced the Barbarians, with only two new faces: World Cup winner Willemse at fullback and Handre Pollard at flyhalf, who will partner with exciting scrumhalf Morne van den Berg.
Willemse will create an electrifying back three alongside wingers Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse, while Damian de Allende and Kriel keep their positions in midfield.
The forward pack sees three personnel changes. Wiese steps in for Jean-Luc du Preez, who is expecting a baby with his wife. Etzebeth will take Jean Kleyn’s place in the engine room due to an injury, and Wilco Louw will start as the tighthead prop alongside Ox Nche and Malcolm Marx in the front row.
Erasmus decided to have six forwards and two backs on the substitutes bench. Experienced hooker Bongi Mbonambi will back up the front row with props Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Vincent Koch, along with lock RG Snyman and utility forwards Franco Mostert and Kwagga Smith.
The two backs on the bench are De Klerk and Willie le Roux, who could earn his 99th Test cap if he plays, bringing him closer to becoming a member of the special group of Springbok centurions.
“We have a large squad, and we want to share game time fairly while keeping our selections consistent. We believe this team is best suited for what we aim to accomplish against Italy,” said Erasmus. “We’re also lucky to have some experienced players returning from injuries who are eager to make an impact.”
Regarding Kolisi’s injury, Erasmus mentioned: “Siya has unfortunately picked up a minor issue, but Marco performed well at flanker last week and is one of our key players, so we’re grateful for the depth we have in our squad.”
Erasmus concluded: “Looking at this team, there are many leaders, and we were impressed by how Jesse [Kriel] took on the captain’s role last week.”
“He is a player who sets an example both on the field and off, and he truly deserves this recognition.” The Springbok coach also expressed his happiness for Tshituka, who had a strong game against the Barbarians last week, scoring two tries in his debut match wearing the Bok jersey. “Vincent has adapted to our system very well, and he demonstrated last week that he has what it takes to play Test rugby. We are eager to see how he performs against Italy and witness his debut,” said the coach.
When discussing the upcoming match against Italy, Erasmus noted, “They are a skilled team with a powerful pack and talented backs. Their love for their team and country is remarkable, so we anticipate they will give it their all against us. They also play an exciting style of rugby, so it’s crucial for us to stick to our game plan and deliver a strong performance overall to achieve the result we want.”
Springboks: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche. Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Franco Mostert, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Faf de Klerk, 23 Willie le Roux.
Date: Saturday, July 5
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 17.10 (17.10 Italy time; 15.10 GMT)
Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Matthew Carley (England), Andrew Brace (England)
TMO: Andrew Jackson (England)
