The key facts

  • Salmaan Moerat returns to the South Africa squad after injury — for the first time since the win over Italy in July 2025
  • South Africa lead the Southern Hemisphere table, while Italy have lost all three opening matches
  • The bench features a six-two split; six players without debut caps remain outside the starting line-up

Moerat returns after a long break

Lock Salmaan Moerat, who missed the opening stage of the Nations Championship and the series against New Zealand, will return to the South Africa squad for the match against Italy in Turin — head coach Rassie Erasmus named him on Monday, AFP reports. Moerat, who plays for La Rochelle, has not featured for the Springboks since the victory over Italy in July 2025; Ruhan Nortje will partner him in the second row.

Squad and standings

The only player to keep his place in the starting line-up after the friendly defeat to Australia in September, when a number of key players were rested, is winger Ethan Hooker. South Africa won their first three matches of the inaugural Nations Championship in July and lead the Southern Hemisphere table on points difference ahead of New Zealand. Italy, by contrast, have lost all three matches and sit at the bottom of the Northern Hemisphere table.

Plans for the tour

After the match against Italy, South Africa will play France and Ireland, followed by the final stage at Twickenham. 'We have three tough matches ahead if we want to reach the final game of the weekend, so the next three matches will be vital for laying a solid foundation for the tour,' Erasmus said. A six-two split has been chosen for the bench, with Grant Williams and Manie Libbok covering the backline. Six players without official debuts for the team will remain in reserve for now — according to Erasmus, they will be introduced to the team's structures this week and could get a chance against strong opponents in the coming weeks.