The Springboks have named a powerful squad to take on Italy this weekend, with Jesse Kriel set to captain the side for a second consecutive Test in the absence of regular skipper Siya Kolisi, who's been ruled out with a minor injury, Cape town Etc reports.
Kriel, who recently became the 67th player to captain the national side, will once again lead from midfield, supported by Eben Etzebeth as vice-captain. Etzebeth returns to the engine room after recovering from injury, bolstering a Bok team that already looks ferocious on paper.
Thirteen players from the side that dismantled the Barbarians 54-7 in Cape Town have been retained, signalling head coach Rassie Erasmus' desire for both momentum and cohesion as the Boks continue building towards the Rugby Championship. Three key players return from absence, adding weight to an already experienced squad.
Among the most anticipated comebacks is that of Damian Willemse, who will don the No. 15 jersey for the first time since the 2023 World Cup final. A combination of injury setbacks and suspension kept the versatile back out of action, but he now returns to join wingers Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cheslin Kolbe in a back three bursting with flair and speed.
The flyhalf role goes to Handre Pollard, who will partner with rising scrumhalf Morne van den Berg, keeping the backline stacked with Rugby World Cup winners. In midfield, Damian de Allende and Kriel continue their strong partnership, offering both power and playmaking.