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.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed that around 50 players would have had game time after the opening four fixtures of the season.
The Mbombela Stadium will play host to the first Springbok mid-year test on Saturday, 5 July 2025.
The Springboks showed very little signs of the rust as they defied the wet conditions to produce a clinical and composed 54-7 victory over an outclassed Barbarians side in Cape Town.