Siya Kolisi says Boks determined to win breakdown battle against dangerous Italy

Kolisi, who will increase his Test tally to 101 caps against the Azzurri this weekend, said the Boks took note of how the Italians troubled them in that area of the game during their two-match Test series in South Africa earlier this year.

"It's been one of the big areas we looked at this week, just as we did when we played against them in South Africa," said Kolisi on Friday.

"We struggled in the first match against them back home, and that was one of the main reasons we had to work so hard to win that match.

"We know how good they are there, so we've worked hard this week to ensure we look after the ball properly.

"The pack will be important this weekend. We know what we have to do, and we have to make sure we are up for it."

Kolisi also shot down suggestions that the forwards were unfamiliar with one another, given the new-look pack announced by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus on Thursday.

"We've done the work on the field during the week, and that's where we get to know one another. The coaches have been crucial in that regard, and that's where we get our confidence. The senior guys obviously need to lead by example, but we feel good as a group in general."

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick also emphasised that the Boks were treating the challenge against Italy with total respect.

"It's a tough week because we are facing a team that comes off a good game against Australia, while a few other players are getting an opportunity to play, and that motivates us immensely," said Stick.

"The players have been working very hard and waiting for their opportunity, such as Handre (Pollard) and Canan (Moodie), among others, so for us, whoever gets a chance to represent the country, it's not just about playing for yourself, but close to 60 million South Africans at home. This Test is a massive game for us.

"There's no such thing as a trial match when it comes to the Springboks. It's going to be a tough game, and we need to respect the players who are receiving an opportunity to play. We all know Italy are in a good space as a team, and improving week in and week out.

"In Pretoria, they posed big challenges in the second half, so they are a side you can never underestimate. That said, we'll be prepared, and the players are excited and looking forward to the match."

Stick also commented on the decision to select Marco van Staden in a dual role as a loose forward and a back-up hooker, revealing they had handpicked Van Staden for the job some time ago.

"It was always the plan for him to be a backup hooker in the squad," said Stick. "At the 2023 World Cup, he was always training and working on extra skills in that position to ensure he was ready when the opportunity arose. So, it's a project we've been working on for the last few years.

"He's a tough guy who always plays with his heart on his sleeve, and he's a breakdown specialist, which will be valuable against a side like Italy with a couple of fetchers in their team, and it's great that we can move him to hooker later in the game."

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