Erasmus backs Moerat ahead of Italy Test

The Bok coach says he and the players understand the value Moerat adds, pointing to his physicality, work rate and willingness to do the less glamorous jobs in the forward pack.

Moerat has regularly found himself at the centre of social media criticism, with some fans questioning his contribution to the national side. However, Erasmus believes the criticism overlooks the important work the 28-year-old brings to the team.

"We need someone like Salmaan in the team just because of how physical he is in the ruck, the scrum and the maul. We are not upset that people don't see that, but we can see what he does within the team, he is also the kind of guy we enjoy to have in the team."

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Erasmus expects a difficult assignment against Italy, despite the Azzurri's disappointing start to the 2026 Nations Championship. The Italians suffered three defeats during the opening leg of the competition in July and will be eager to turn their fortunes around in front of their home supporters in Turin.

Springbok loose forward Paul de Villiers could provide additional cover in the backline if the need arises during Saturday's Test against Italy. The 23-year-old has been included among the replacements as Erasmus opts for a six-two split, with six forwards and two backs on the bench.

With André Esterhuizen unavailable through injury, the Bok coach has explored alternative options should the team suffer multiple injuries in the backline. De Villiers, who is primarily a loose forward, has been practising different roles at training, including the possibility of covering scrumhalf.

"I think he has the speed and the feeling for the game and he's done it for us during training sessions on many occassions. Like Kwagga Smith used to do for us, I think he can cover different kinds of roles for us in the event of a yellow card or something like that."

The encounter against Italy is the first of three challenging away Tests for the world champions, who will subsequently travel to Paris to face France before concluding their pool campaign against Ireland in Dublin.

South Africa currently lead the Southern Hemisphere standings on 15 points, level with New Zealand but ahead on points difference. The results of these fixtures will be crucial in determining their position heading into the Nations Championship Finals Weekend, scheduled for 27 to 29 November at Twickenham in London.