The Springboks anticipate a sizeable battle when they meet Italy in their Nations Championship opener in Turin on Saturday, with assistant coach Jerry Flannery warning that the 11th-ranked Azzurri pose genuine threats despite missing several key players through injury.
Italy will be without Juan Ignacio Brex, Tommaso Menoncello and Sebastian Negri, but Flannery stressed the Europeans retain dangerous options across the park. The former Irish hooker pointed to Italy's strong set piece—their scrum ranked among the best in the Six Nations—and game-breakers like Ange Capuozzo, who can create scoring opportunities from nothing.
Flannery referenced last year's 42-24 victory at Loftus Versfeld in July 2025, when Italy also fielded a depleted side yet ran the world champions close. The Boks conceded a maul try from 20 metres out in that encounter, a lapse that still resonates within the squad as they seek greater consistency in their dominance.
The match carries added significance beyond the Nations Championship trophy. Italy represent the Springboks' most significant pool threat at next year's Rugby World Cup, and Saturday's fixture marks the final meeting between the sides before the tournament. With no Nations Championship scheduled in a World Cup year, both teams will be scrutinising each other for any signs of weakness.
Flannery highlighted Italy's kicking game, led by Paolo Garbisi's excellent left foot, and their aerial prowess as areas requiring particular attention. He warned that if the Boks fail to make first-time tackles, Italy will make metres—a pattern evident in Pretoria. Capuozzo remains the primary threat off any loose ball from the kicking exchanges.
Fullback Damian Willemse acknowledged the tournament nature of the Nations Championship, whilst the coaching staff view the match as crucial preparation for tougher tests against France and Ireland later in the tour, and the Finals weekend at the end of the month.