Damian Willemse says the Springboks are preparing for a fierce aerial contest when they face Italy in Turin on Saturday.
The 10th-ranked Azzurri head into the match on a high after beating the Wallabies 26-19 in Udine last weekend, while the No 1-ranked Boks are coming off a 32-17 victory over France in Paris.
The world champions beat an understrength Italian side twice in July – 42–24 in Pretoria and 45-0 in Port Elizabeth – with Willemse starting at fullback in the first Test. He has since worn the Bok No 15 jersey on three further occasions this year, including a 56-minute stint against France.
The 27-year-old expects the Azzurri to pose a far greater challenge this time around.
“Italy have really built their game – they’re an all-court team,” said Willemse. “They can defend, they can attack, and they’ve got brilliant players like [Ange] Capuozzo and [Lorenzo] Cannone who can pull the strings for them.
“It’s going to be a big challenge, especially in the air. That’s where the battle will start. Their wingers [Louis Lynagh and Monty Ioane] aren’t scared to get up and contest, and they’re solid defensively.
“Set piece-wise, they’re also strong and physical up front, so we know it’s going to be a proper Test match.”
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Willemse added that Italy’s form and confidence will make them dangerous opponents.
“They’re definitely on a high after beating Australia, and rightly so – they’ve been playing really good rugby,” he said. “We saw in July when they came to South Africa how much they’ve improved. They put us under pressure in both Tests.
“I’ve also faced some of their players recently in the URC, and you can see they’ve stepped up.
“They’ve got a strong set piece, a good kicking game and some big, physical players. It’s going to be a battle out on the field, but it’s one we’re looking forward to.”
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Saturday’s match will be played at the Allianz Stadium, home of Juventus – a venue Willemse can’t wait to experience.
“I’m a big football fan – I support Arsenal – so playing at the Juventus Stadium is going to be incredible,” he said. “I’ve never been there before, and I think it’ll be the first time for a lot of the guys too.
“I didn’t get to play [against Japan] at Wembley, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images
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