Springbok utility back Damian Willemse is expecting a tough outing with Italy when they meet in their Outgoing Series Test match at the Juventus Stadium in Turin on Saturday (2.40pm).
Willemse’s expectation is borne out of the Azzurri being on a high after registering a morale-boosting 26-19 shock against Australia in Udine on Saturday.
The Boks will also not be short of confidence after they came back from a half-time deficit to convincingly beat France 32-27 with 14 men at Stade de France in Siya Kolisi’s 100th Test on Saturday.
“Italy have built their team all around,” said World Cup winner Willemse.
“They defend and attack well and they have great players who can pull strings for them. It’s going to be a big challenge, especially in the air.
🗣️ "The coaches have really molded me into being the utility player for the team."
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) November 12, 2025
Whether its at flyhalf, centre or fullback, Damian Willemse is happy to be back playing regularly for the Springboks.#SSRugby | #QuilterNS pic.twitter.com/DbSJhGJxdk
“Set-piece wise, they are a good mauling team and can also take it up front. Their wings can get up high, so they have a good team throughout.”
Italy are not a team to back down, Willemse added
“It’s going to be a super contest and they are definitely going to bring it to us. They are on a high after their win last week and rightfully so. They have been playing very good rugby, as we saw in July when they came to South Africa.
“We managed to get the win in the first game in Pretoria and then in Gqeberha, but I have also played for the Stormers in Italy against Zebre Parma and Benetton.
“They have good players who have made the step-up. They are also well coached, so it’s going to be a huge battle on the field — and we are looking forward to it.”
🗣️ "Sometimes I sit on that bus on the way to training and tell myself: 'you're a Springbok!'"
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) November 11, 2025
2025 has been an incredible year for Ethan Hooker and there's lots more to come 📈#SSRugby | #QuilterNS pic.twitter.com/t0hlGCSlB8
Ethan Hooker, who made his Test debut against Italy in the Incoming Series in July, shared Willemse’s sentiments on the serious threat posed by Italy.
“They are always a tough team. I have never faced them at [their] home but I can imagine they are going to be a different monster here.
“Our team is not finalised yet, but if I play against them it would be a very special game because I made my debut against them. It would be a homecoming for me, in a way.”
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