Springboks not taking anything for granted against Italy

The Springboks are considered strong favourites to win, going into the match on top form having won the Rugby Championship and their last five Tests in a row, including the highly impressive 32-17 triumph over France last weekend with just 14 men.

Italy will also be on a high going into the match after having beaten Australia 26-19 last time out.

The two sides have already met twice this year when Italy toured South Africa in July and the Springboks won both games convincingly and even managed to prevent the Azzurri from scoring a single point in the second Test.

South Africa are adamant they will not be taking Italy lightly and are expecting a gruelling Test match against a well-drilled team.

"Italy has really built their team all around," said Willemse.

"They defend and attack well, and they have great players who can pull strings for them, so it's going to be a big challenge, especially in the air.

"Set-piece wise, they are a good mauling team and can take it up front as well, and their wings can get up high, so they have a good team throughout.

"It's going to be a super contest and they'll definitely bring it to us. They are on a high after their win last week and rightfully so. They've been playing very good rugby, as we saw in July when they came to SA.

"We managed to get the win in the first game in Pretoria and then in Gqeberha, but I've also played for the DHL Stormers in Italy against Zebre Parma and Benetton, and they have good players who have made that step-up.

"They are also well coached, so it's going to be a huge battle on the field, and we are looking forward to it."

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