South Africa expect Italy to give them a run for their money in Turin, says Damian Willemse

Springbok fullback Damian Willemse says the squad are keyed up at the possibility of adding the Nations Championship title to their already stacked trophy cabinet as South Africa look to maintain their unbeaten record in Turin against Italy on Saturday.

The Boks have won everything there is to win after their second consecutive Rugby World Cup triumph in 2023.

The team has shown no signs of complacency or slowing down.

This week coach Rassie Erasmus and his men are in Turin to kick off the Northern Series European leg of the inaugural Nations Championship at Estadio Camilo Cano (1.40pm SA time), where victory will keep South Africa top of the Southern Hemisphere standings.

Archrivals the All Blacks, who also have three wins, are breathing down the necks of the Boks, who occupy the top spot on points difference. Both teams have three matches remaining, and only one will make the final.

Fullback Damian Willemse acknowledged the tightness of the permutations. However, the 28-year-old says the Springboks are fully focused on Italy.

“We are playing for the cup in three or four weeks, and I think the most important week is this week. If we lose this week, we’re out of the race to try and be in the final, but that’s not really in our heads now,” he said.

“I know we are [close on points] with New Zealand. If we are in a position to go for a bonus point, we’ll obviously look to do that.

“But the main thing for us is just to perform very well and win the game. What is in our heads is making sure we follow through on the plan and the stuff the coaches have put out for us.”

The Nations Championship being a new tournament and these matches not simply part of another end-of-year European tour adds motivation, Willemse said.

“It’s exciting for us because there is something we’ll be playing towards. There’s a cup on the line. Our approach to any tournament or cup is to take it seriously, and we want to get the right result and make sure we go to the end.”

Willemse said South Africa expect Italy to give them a run for their money in front of their home fans despite having been struck by a few injuries.

“They are a strong side, very well-coached and come up with good plans. We’ve got to stay dialled in and make sure we don’t lose focus on what’s ahead.

“We saw last year when we played them in Turin how dangerous they are. And [while] they’ve got a few injuries, I know there are a couple of guys in the set-up who are key players for them.”

The Boks return to a happy hunting ground in Turin, having registered a sparkling 32-14 victory over Italy the last time they played there, with Willemse earning player of the match.