Springboks

Gelant should have fronted Italy

Springbok coach Allister Coetzee has missed a trick by picking fullback Andries Coetzee ahead of Warrick Gelant in the starting side, writes JON CARDINELLI in Padua.

‘Bongi must play natural game’

Allister Coetzee admits that Bongi Mbonambi will bring something different to the hooker position in what will be the player’s first Test start on Saturday. JON CARDINELLI in Padua reports.

Watch: Springbok press conference

What Allister Coetzee, Francois Venter and Pieter-Steph du Toit had to say after Thursday’s team announcement in Padua.

Bongi in for Marx

Bongi Mbonambi will start his first-ever Test for the Boks in Saturday’s clash against Italy in Padua.

15 Springbok stats and facts

For the match against Italy at the Stadio Euganeo in Padua on Saturday.

Italy swap two for Bok clash

Coach Conor O’Shea has made two personnel changes to Italy’s lineup for Saturday’s Test against the Springboks in Padua.

Du Toit too good to pigeonhole

Forwards coach Matt Proudfoot says that Pieter-Steph du Toit has the talent to star at both lock and loose forward and shouldn’t be forced to settle in one position. JON CARDINELLI in Padua reports.

Du Toit, Gelant to face Italy

Flank Pieter-Steph du Toit is set to start, while fullback Warrick Gelant could win his first cap from the bench against Italy on Saturday. JON CARDINELLI in Padua reports.

Louw thriving under pressure

Wilco Louw believes his early introduction to northern-hemisphere scrummaging conditions will aid his development as a Test tighthead, writes JON CARDINELLI in Padua.