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Italy will host the might of South Africa at Stadio Euganeo, Padua for the third game of the Springbok’s end of year tour. Join The Roar from 1:00am (AEDT) for live scores and commentary.
Simply, this Italian side has much to gain, with not much more to lose. Having played against the Springboks eleven times without a win, they will look to improve on their last meeting, where the Springboks scored five tries to Italy’s one.
Scrum Challenge: South Africa’s best tight head prop, 32 year old Jannie du Plessis is injured. He is going to be replaced by 25 year old Coenie Oosthuizen, who plays for Free State Cheetahs and will be joined by Cheetahs team mate and loose head prop Trevor Nyakane.
To put it kindly, the Cheetahs scrum this year needed ‘significant improvement’ and it is likely they would have watched last week’s epic scrum battle between Italy and Argentina with morbid concern. But behind the Springbok front row are two deadliest set piece operators; Eben Etzebeth and Victor Matfield.
Both Springboks are heavier and taller than the Italian locks – to label them as ‘Italian’ however is slightly inaccurate as one is from South Africa (Quintin Geldenhuys), the other is Australian born (Joshua Furno).
Taking notes from the Pumas: The Italians will probably try to emulate how the Pumas used the scrum and ruck to spoil the Springboks power game. On the other side of the ledger, the Springboks have probably learnt from early Pumas engagements, represented through varied attacking strategies and playmaker selection.
The Springboks have not used a replacement ‘B’ team to face the 14th rank Italians and is a clear indication they take the Italian pack seriously – both set piece and in the loose. The game will also feature a number of exciting players with some given an opportunity to perform and make their mark with World Cup selections looming.
In keeping with the modern tactic of fielding a playmaker at fullback Willie le Roux a short break and Johan Goosen will be running on as the starting fifteen.
Prodigy Goosen will look for the spaces the Springboks intend to create against the Italians. This includes some space behind the defence. Goosen, along with the halves, will do battle with some tricky Italian runners, including fullback Andrea Masi, Centre Michele Campagnaro and Kiw-born flyhalf Kelly Haimona.
The Italians are good individually with ball in hand but will need to link up with their support men to finish off. The Italians were held try less by the Pumas last week.
Today, they will need to harass, use the scrum early to break the Springbok momentum, otherwise, the bookies odds will come to reality.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.