Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada heaped praise on his replacements, who arguably performed better than the famed Springboks' Bomb Squad despite their loss on Saturday.
Junior Springboks flyhalf Vusi Moyo praised the contribution of the non-playing squad members after the Junior Springboks secured a well-deserved win on Friday.
Bok boss Rassie Erasmus will reconsider his pre-planned selection for the second Castle Lager Tour test against Italy in Gqeberha next week.
The Springboks secured a 42-24 victory over Italy at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday night - but not before a spirited second-half surge from the visitors briefly threatened to flip the script.
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.