Damian Willemse has warned the Springboks cannot afford to look past Italy when the teams clash in their Nations Championship encounter in Turin on Saturday, with the fullback insisting a strong performance is vital if South Africa are to remain in contention for the final.
The top-ranked teams from the southern and northern hemispheres will meet in the final of the inaugural competition on 29 November at Twickenham, but Willemse made clear the Boks' immediate focus is on the Azzurri. "We are trying to play for a cup in a few weeks' time, but the most important week is this week," Willemse said. "If we lose this weekend, I think we'll be out of the race to be in the final, so we are not looking too far ahead."
The 56-cap fullback acknowledged Italy's threat despite their injury concerns, pointing to last year's encounter as evidence of the danger they pose. "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," he said. Willemse expressed confidence in the settled side Rassie Erasmus has selected, describing it as the right personnel for what Italy will bring after the coaching staff completed their analysis of the opposition.