Springboks team v Italy: Moerat returns, kick-off 13:40 Saturday
Rassie Erasmus has named a settled Springbok match-23 for Saturday's Test against Italy in Turin, with Siya Kolisi as captain and Salmaan Moerat back at lock. Kick-off is 13:40 SAST on 7 November.
Rassie Erasmus named the Springbok team on Monday, 2 November 2026, for Saturday's Nations Championship Test against Italy in Turin, with Siya Kolisi captaining a settled, experienced match-23 (SA Rugby; Springboks on X). Kick-off is at 13:40 SA time on Saturday, 7 November (The South African).
When and where do the Springboks play Italy?
| Detail | Information | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Match | Italy v South Africa, Nations Championship | SA Rugby |
| Date | Saturday, 7 November 2026 | SA Rugby |
| Kick-off | 13:40 SAST | The South African |
| City | Turin, Italy | Springboks on X |
| Where to watch | Live on DStv | Springboks on X |
Our earlier squad article listed Genoa as the venue, based on The Citizen. The Springboks' own team announcement now says Turin.
Who is in the Springbok team to face Italy?
| No. | Player | No. | Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Damian Willemse | 8 | Jasper Wiese |
| 14 | Kurt-Lee Arendse | 7 | Pieter-Steph du Toit |
| 13 | Jesse Kriel | 6 | Siya Kolisi (captain) |
| 12 | Damian de Allende | 5 | Ruan Nortje |
| 11 | Ethan Hooker | 4 | Salmaan Moerat |
| 10 | Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu | 3 | Thomas du Toit |
| 9 | Morne van den Berg | 2 | Malcolm Marx |
| 1 | Ox Nche |
Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Cameron Hanekom, 21 Paul de Villiers, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok (The South African).
What stands out in the selection?
Lock Salmaan Moerat is the only player in the match-23 who will make his first Bok appearance this season, after missing earlier Tests with neck and toe injuries. He partners Ruan Nortje in the second row (The South African).
Erasmus picked a six and two split on the bench, with six forwards and two backs, Grant Williams and Manie Libbok (The South African). None of the six uncapped players named in last week's squad are in this match-23.
What is at stake in Turin?
The Springboks top the Southern Hemisphere standings, level on 15 points with New Zealand but ahead on points difference (The South African). SA Rugby says the Italy match opens the second phase of the Nations Championship and is expected to set the tone for the European tour (SA Rugby).
South Africa have played Italy 19 times, winning 18 and losing once (The South African).
Who do the Boks play after Italy?
| Date | Opponent | City |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, 7 November | Italy | Turin |
| Friday, 13 November | France | Paris |
| Saturday, 21 November | Ireland | Dublin |
| Sunday, 29 November | Finals Weekend ends | To be confirmed |
Source: The South African.
FAQ
What time is the Springboks v Italy match?
Kick-off is at 13:40 SAST on Saturday, 7 November 2026, in Turin.
Who is captain of the Springboks against Italy?
Siya Kolisi captains the side from blindside flank.
Where can I watch Springboks v Italy in South Africa?
The Springboks say the match streams live on DStv.
