The Springboks cannot afford to underestimate Italy when the teams meet on Saturday in Turin in their first match of the Nations Championship's northern series.
According to Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick, a good start is essential for the world champions, who will also face France and Ireland later on their tour.
The match against Italy is played on Saturday at 13:40 South African time at the Allianz Stadium and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
"For us the start is very important. Everyone wants to play in the final," Stick said on Friday.
"We play against Italy in Turin, where we also played last year. The crowd's energy is incredible. It's always difficult to play against them at home, so we need to make sure we are at our best."
Springboks against Italy: Capuozzo a threat
The Springboks are ranked higher than Italy on the world rankings, but Stick still expects a difficult match. The Italians will have to manage without injured Juan Ignacio Brex and Tommaso Menoncello.
However, he warned that players such as fullback Ange Capuozzo, wing Monty Ioane and openside flanker Paolo Garbisi still pose a threat.
"Capuozzo is world-class and probably one of the best outside backs in the world. If you give him space and time, he will punish you," Stick said.
Kolisi: First objective is to win
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who will play his 108th test on Saturday, said the team is excited to be together again after their last test against Australia in September.
"We've trained well, we are prepared and we can't wait for the match," he said.
The Springboks and New Zealand are each on 15 points on the southern hemisphere's points table, but Kolisi said his team's first objective is to beat Italy.
"We just want to win. The first thing is to get the victory. If we then build a lead, we can go for the bonus point," he said.
The final weekend of the competition takes place from 27 to 29 November.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
