Gonzalo Quesada's pre-match assessment of the Springboks ahead of the Turin clash is as stark as it gets — after his usual process of hunting for opposition flaws to build strategy around, he came up empty. His conclusion: when there are no weaknesses to target, you stop looking outward and focus entirely on your own execution. It's a rare admission from a coach of his calibre, and a telling measure of where this Bok squad stands in world rugby. Quesada also confirmed that Erasmus fielding a full-strength side reads as genuine respect, not complacency — which Italy, missing 16 players including Lamaro, Menoncello and Brex, will need to channel as motivation. With Ange Capuozzo returning and a gruelling four-game run against top-10 nations ahead, Quesada frames the Bok match as a character-building crucible for a squad he's trying to harden ahead of the World Cup cycle.
Quesada's verdict on the Boks: no weaknesses to find
Quesada admits Italy's pre-match analysis found zero exploitable weaknesses in the Boks — so his team must simply back themselves against a full-strength Springbok side, with 16 players missing and a four-game top-10 gauntlet ahead.
- Springboks
- Rassie Erasmus
- Italy
- Rugby World Cup
So how deep is the Springbok squad?
Lekker! Hola! Head to https://squarespace.com/squidgerugby to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code SQUIDGERUGBY
Brown confirms post-2027 All Blacks move but eyes World Cup glory with Boks first
Springbok attack coach Tony Brown will join Dave Rennie's All Blacks staff from 2028, but remains committed to helping South Africa win a third successive World Cup title before his departure.
Tony Brown to join All Blacks backroom staff in 2028 after Springbok contract ends
NZR have confirmed Tony Brown will join the All Blacks' backroom staff in 2028 on a two-year contract, with the Springboks attack coach set to depart after the 2027 Rugby World Cup. It is the third time NZR have pursued Brown, having previously been rejected during the Foster and Robertson eras.
Rassie Erasmus to receive Order of Ikhamanga — South Africa's highest national honour
Rassie Erasmus will receive the Order of Ikhamanga — South Africa's highest national honour — from President Cyril Ramaphosa at an investiture ceremony on 19 May, recognising his role in the Springboks' back-to-back World Cup titles and his contribution to national unity.
Matfield and Kirwan weigh in on Tony Brown's 2028 All Blacks move
Matfield and Kirwan debate how much Tony Brown's 2028 switch to the All Blacks actually matters — tactically and psychologically — with Matfield identifying decision-making under pressure as the area where Brown has left his biggest mark on the Boks.