‘They’re a well-coached team that does the basics extremely well’

The Springboks anticipate a clash against quality team with a strong set piece and dangerous backs when they meet Italy their opening match of the Nations Championship Northern Series in Turin on Saturday.

Springbok assistant coach Jerry Flannery said South Africa expect a sizeable battle against the Azzuri.

The Boks may be ranked first in the world and Italy 11th, but Flannery stressed the Europeans pose threats with their forward pack and among their backs.

Italy will be missing several key players due to injury including Juan Ignacio Brex, Tommaso Menoncello, and Sebastian Negri. Flannery, though, is adamant the Azzurri will still field a strong outfit, with players who will bring a different dimension to the team.

“We still respect them enormously – when they came to Pretoria last year, they were also missing key players and ran us close,” Flannery said of the 42-24 win to South Africa at Loftus Versfeld in July 2025.

“They have a really strong set piece. In fact, their scrum was probably among the best in the Six Nations and that gives them a significant platform.

“They’re also a well-coached team that does the basics extremely well. They still have players like Ange Capuozzo, who can break a game open from nothing.

“Brex is a really good footballer and Menoncello is one of the best centres in the world, but they’ve shown real squad depth and going into a World Cup year, giving more caps will benefit them long term. We’re looking at defending them as a team, not just individuals.”

On what the Boks are expecting from them this weekend, the former Irish hooker said: “If your players don’t make their first-time tackles, Italy will make metres, and that’s what we saw in Pretoria too.

“They have a strong kicking game, with players like Paolo Garbisi, who has an excellent left foot, and they have good aerial players, so we need to be strong in that area. And if there are any scraps off the back of their kicking game, Capuozzo can create something from nothing, so controlling those areas will be key.”

The top nations from the northern and southern hemisphere set to face one another in the Finals Weekend in London at the end of the month. The next-ranked teams line up against one another in each hemisphere in the lead-up to the final match on November 29.

Flannery said he believes that makes this tour similar to playing playoff rugby.

“I think the tour is a good representation of what’s coming heading into a World Cup year.

“The squad must get together and play games consistently in a short period of time. We’re not yet sure how much we’ll rotate through this period, but for me it’s almost like knockout rugby – the group stages, round of 16, quarterfinal, semifinal and final. It’s that kind of intensity.”

The Bok assistant coach, however, was confident that the players were gelling well following two training sessions so far this week and given they have been together for most of the international season.

When you get the opportunity to represent the Springboks, it’s incredible. Every time you get the call-up, you want to take it with both hands.

—  Morné van den Berg

“I don’t think it’s easy, but I believe it’s fairly similar for most teams competing in the Nations Championship.

“We were together for a long time and a lot of the current squad were part of that entire period.”

Springbok scrumhalf Morné van den Berg, who will partner Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in the halfback combination, was excited about returning to the field in the green and gold.

“I’m really enjoying it — my body feels good, and I feel sharp,” Van den Berg said.

“When you get the opportunity to represent the Springboks, it’s incredible. Every time you get the call-up, you want to take it with both hands.

“So, to be able to play more is an absolute blessing. And when I play for my club, that’s also an opportunity to put my hand up and show what I can do. To play more at both levels is massive.”