As monumentally massive as beating France last weekend in Paris was, none of that matters now as the Boks get ready for Italy. That may sound a little clinical, but this is the reality of top flight professional sport.
It’s all about the next game, and that next game is essentially with a whole different team. With Italy coming off a big win last week, we are in for a tremendous test match on Saturday.
This weekend’s test match lineup:
Upcoming fixtures
(Match time GMT+2)
Saturday 15th November
Italy vs South Africa 14:40
England vs New Zealand 17:10
Wales vs Japan 19:40
Ireland vs Australia 22:10
France vs Fiji 22:10
The challenge of hitting the reset button
Siya’s 100th test, Rassie’s 50th in charge, somehow giving the French a sound beating playing more than half of the game with 14 men…
That Bok win against the French felt like another World Cup final triumph. So much emotion, so much at stake, and so much pure BMT to get the job done. The celebrations would have matched all of that too, and oh so richly deserved.
The lead up to this weekend’s match against Italy barely registers in comparison. They are the Six Nations whipping boys, currently ranked 10th in the world, and a team the Boks have already beaten twice this year.
But this is where top teams truly show why they are top teams. Being able to reset and do it all again, with a clear and concise plan for the task at hand here. One thing making that somewhat easier is just to essentially choose an entirely different team for the task...
Rassie’s matchday 23 vs Italy
As many as eleven changes to the starting lineup this week, and an additional one to the bench.
1: Boan Venter
2: Johan Grobbelaar
3: Zachery Porthen
4: Jean Kleyn
5: Franco Mostert
6: Siya Kolisi ©
7: Ben-Jason Dixon
8: Marco van Staden
9: Morne van den Berg
10: Handre Pollard
11: Kurt-Lee Arendse
12: Ethan Hooker
13: Canan Moodie
14: Edwill van der Merwe
15: Damian Willemse
Replacements:
16: Gerhard Steenekamp
17: Wilco Louw
18: RG Snyman
19: Ruan Nortje
20: Andre Esterhuizen
21: Kwagga Smith
22: Grant Williams
23: Manie Libbok
As always there is a mix of experience and youth, many proven campaigners along with guys getting a shot to show Rassie that they should be going to the Rugby World Cup in 2027.
The Boks showed in real time last weekend against France how they can adapt on the fly. This team has had an entire week to prepare, and coming from the Bok structures that produce results, they will be a very confident unit.
What do the Italians bring?
First up, they just defeated the Wallabies. Now it’s unclear what that really means as it seems the Wallabies have just gone back to old ways since the Rugby Championship. A Rugby Championship where they gave the Boks a sound beating at Ellis Park in the opening round.
The objective strength of the Wallabies aside, the Italians winning that game gives them vital momentum going into this game. Perhaps even an air of belief that wouldn’t have been there before.
Italy may not be a hugely strong side, but they know what they are capable of, and showed at Loftus earlier this year that they can play a spoiling brand of rugby that can frustrate this Bok team.
They did this with a team that isn’t nearly as strong as the one playing this weekend too. That’s another positive they will look to leverage along with the home ground advantage. Add to this how they love a tussle at the breakdown, along with the explosive talent in the backs nowadays and it has the making of a solid contest ahead.
Should we expect a close game then?
It will absolutely be competitive. There is still the inevitable gulf in quality across the full 23 players though, in an 80 minute game. Everything could go to plan for Italy, but Gerhard Steenekamp, Wilco Louw and RG Snyman are still coming on in the second half which they don’t have an answer for.
The Bok backline this weekend is a wonderful mix of skill sets anchored by Handre Pollard. Even if countered and contained, Grant Williams and Manie Libbok in the second half is again another gear they cannot match.
This Bok team is relishing matchdays more than any team right now. Every single player in the mix right now wants to go to the next Rugby World Cup. They know as a unit they can be the first team to ever win three in a row. With every match leading up to that giving them a better chance to do so.
Right now you don’t just play against the Springboks. You go to war with an unstoppable force.
Another huge north vs south weekend
The end of year tours of course provide major north vs south contests. Last weekend the Wallabies let the side down a bit losing to Italy, while New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina all registered wins.
Outside of the Bok game, England hosting New Zealand is a massive one to get excited about. Plus there is the Ireland vs Australia clash afterwards.
Makes for a super Saturday all round. A super Saturday to enjoy some Avante with friends as you cheer on whoever you are backing.
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