Siya Kolisi brushes aside concerns that Springboks will start slow against Italy

The Springboks last took the field when they played against Australia in Perth in September, and it has been suggested that the visitors may struggle in the early in the of the contest.

Head coach Rassie Erasmus has chosen an experienced team with Kolisi himself set to win his 108th Test cap, and is thrilled that the squad was back together.

"When we went away (after the Australia Test), two weeks in, the guys started messaging each other because we missed each other, so it's never hard for us to get up for a game, so we're excited, and hopeful that we can start this tour strongly," said Kolisi.

"This is a new competition, which is also something to be excited about, so we have an important game this week. We've trained well, we are prepared, and we can't wait for the game."

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick echoed the skipper's words and said there was no place for complacency ahead of the clash in Turin.

The Boks may be ranked higher than Italy on the world rankings, but Stick said this match was vital for the team to build momentum with two tough games against France and Ireland lined up later this month.

"For us, the start is very important," said Stick. "We're competing against the northern hemisphere, but there's also an excitement in the way the competition is structured now, and everyone wants to be in the final.

"There's a lot to play for against the northern hemisphere teams, and on the other side we're still competing with New Zealand to finish on top (of the southern hemisphere table), so the structure brings a lot of excitement and the guys are engaged."

Stick added: "Playing Italy away in Turin, where we played last year, the crowd is crazy when it comes to energy. It's always tough to play them at home, so we must make sure we're at our best.

"To give ourselves a chance of playing in the final, we have to start this tour well, so we'll give it everything and try to make our people back home proud."

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