The Springboks are bracing for a far tougher test against Italy than the one they faced against the Barbarians when the two teams meet at Loftus Versfeld 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.
Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen is excited about his new hybrid role in the national team and is looking forward to what the future holds, whether it's at centre or flank.
The Mbombela Stadium will play host to the first Springbok mid-year test on Saturday, 5 July 2025.
The Stormers have further bolstered their squad ahead of the 2025/26 season with the big-name signing of Ruan Ackermann as the flanker returns to South Africa after his eight-year stint with English Premiership side Gloucester.
The Springboks have unveiled their first match-day squad of the year, with Rassie Erasmus naming an exciting lineup to face the Barbarians in Saturday's mouthwatering curtain-raiser to the 2025 season.