Eben Etzebeth stood down from Springboks clash, he isn't injured

The decision means South Africa will field a fresh-looking second-row partnership, as Franco Mostert teams up with Jean Kleyn in what Duane Vermeulen admits is a “pretty weird” combination on paper.

Erasmus has swung the selection axe heavily once again, making 11 changes to his starting lineup and one on the bench from last week’s 32–17 win over France.

Speaking earlier this year, Vermeulen backed the decision to rotate Etzebeth, explaining the need to manage the veteran’s workload.

“We said from the outset of the tour that we want to give as many players as possible a chance to play, and we believe this team is best suited to the threats Italy will pose,” said Erasmus.

“One of our key pillars is to build squad depth, and it’s great to have players like Jean, Handre, Edwill, and Ben-Jason back, who have all been in the mix in the last few seasons.

“Handre and Jean have played in Rugby World Cups, while Ben-Jason and Edwill have both performed for us at the highest level, and we are excited to see what they’ll bring this weekend.”

Starting XV:
15. Damian Willemse
14. Edwill van der Merwe
13. Canan Moodie
12. Ethan Hooker
11. Kurt-Lee Arendse
10. Handré Pollard
9. Morne van den Berg
8. Marco van Staden
7. Ben-Jason Dixon
6. Siya Kolisi (c)
5. Franco Mostert
4. Jean Kleyn
3. Zachary Porthen
2. Johan Grobbelaar

Replacements:
16. Gerhard Steenekamp
17. Wilco Louw
18. RG Snyman
19. Ruan Nortje
20. Andre Esterhuizen
21. Kwagga Smith
22. Grant Williams
23. Manie Libbok