Springboks Set for Must Win Italy Game This Saturday

Italian coach Conor O’Shea has said that “the pressure is firmly on South Africa” in the lead up to the two teams meeting this Saturday.

Having lost their opening weekend clash with the All Blacks, South Africa secured a 9 try drubbing over neighbours Namibia in the all-African contest last Saturday.  

The forwards played a key role in the fixture, something which will please head coach Rassie Erasmus, who is expecting the game to be decided in the pack.  His selection has reflected this, with tight forwards Mtawarira, Mbonambi and de Jager muscling their way into the squad; the only three changes from last week.

Currently sitting third in Pool B, the Springboks must beat Italy if they are to stand any chance of progressing through to the quarter finals, with just the top two from each group qualifying.  

History would appear to be on their side, having beaten the Azzuri in 13 of their last 14 games, although Italy will be coming off the back of three successive wins in the tournament, the first time they have done so at the World Cup.