Rassie celebrates birthday as Springboks prepare for Italy

Rassie Erasmus has overseen an unprecedented period of success with the Springboks over the better part of the last decade, and on a personal note, it is another special occasion on Thursday.

Erasmus turns 54 as he celebrates another birthday within the Springboks, although there is no doubt that his primary focus will be on this Saturday’s battle against Italy.

It serves as the start to the decisive end-of-year tour in which South Africa hope to add the Nations Championship silverware to a packed trophy cabinet.

Rassie ensuring Springboks keep their eyes on the prize

With Italy currently ranked 11th in the world and determined to work their way up the Northern Hemisphere standings – where they currently occupy the last position on the log – Erasmus expected a spirited performance from the hosts.

“Italy are a quality team who will enter this match with immense motivation with an eye on trying to start their home leg on a positive note in front of their home crowd, and they have challenged us well before, so we have no doubt they will come out passionate and driven as ever,” said Erasmus.

“They have quality forwards and backline players, and although they are missing a few key players due to injury, they have a talented squad with players who will certainly want to make their mark with the 2027 Rugby World Cup less than a year away, so they will give everything on Saturday.

“The vital factors for us, however, will be to be accurate in our execution and to play for the full 80 minutes, especially given the high stakes at the end of these three pool matches.

“Make no mistake though, they will be raring to go, not only with the Nations Cup in mind, but also to take full advantage of these matches as all the participating teams in the competition are preparing for the Rugby World Cup next year.”

The match kicks off at 13:40 (SA time) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Full focus

The sentiments from Rassie were echoed by Springbok fullback Damian Willemse, who will earn his 56th Test cap when he takes the field, added: “It’s not going to be an easy game. They are a strong and well-coached side, and they’ll come up with good plans. So, we’ve got to stay dialled in and make sure we don’t lose our focus.

“We saw last year when we played against them how dangerous they are. They have quite a few injuries, but there are still a couple of guys in their set-up who are key players for them.”

Asked about the settled team Erasmus selected for the clash, Willemse said: “I believe it’s the right team and the right personnel for what Italy are going to bring this weekend, after doing some analysis on them. Everyone is feeling confident, and there aren’t a lot of changes in the team.

“So, we’re just looking forward to getting onto the field on Saturday and hopefully getting off to a great start and picking up where we left off in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry [against New Zealand].”