Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard and hooker Bongi Mbonambi are undre no illusions as to the challenge Italy will pose at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The Junior Springboks have just one change in their team to face England in their crucial World Rugby U20 Championship pool match in Rovigo, Italy, on Friday.
Springbok utility back Damian Willemse has admitted to some nerves ahead of his long-awaited return to Test rugby, but says he is relishing the opportunity to wear the green and gold again when South Africa face Italy on Saturday.
Springbok lock Jean Kleyn has been ruled out of the squad travelling to Johannesburg for the opening match of the Castle Lager Incoming Series against Italy.
The Mbombela Stadium will play host to the first Springbok mid-year test on Saturday, 5 July 2025.
Lock Riley Norton will retain his captaincy for the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy, under Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote, who has confirmed his squad.