Bok coach gives Tshituka the nod for Test debut against Italy

WITH all eyes riveted to the goings-on on the field of play last Saturday, where the Springboks routed the Barbarians 54-7, running in eight tries in the process, I'm guessing that no one had time to glance up at the coach’s box.

OK, I admit that neither did I, but I am willing to gamble that if we did look up there, we’d see Bok coach Rassie Erasmus nodding his approval at the contribution of Congolese-born Sharks flyer Vincent Tshituka.

The bearded bruiser grabbed his opportunity in the green and gold with both hands, as the loose forward dotted down twice, to round off what was an impressive outing for the hosts.

As a reward for his commitment, Tshituka will make his official Test debut in an experienced match-23 named by Rassie Erasmus for Saturday’s Castle Lager Incoming Series opener against Italy in Pretoria, with Jesse Kriel captaining the side for the first time in a Test. 

The Bok coach was delighted for Tshituka, who delivered a strong performance against the Barbarians last week; those two tries in his first game in the Bok jersey added to the thrill.

“Vincent has fitted into our structures really well and he showed last week that he has the potential to play Test rugby," said the Bok coach. "We are excited to see what he can do against Italy and to see him make his debut.”

Erasmus must have been impressed with what he saw all over the field last week, because he has named a squad that features 13 players who played in Cape Town, and with regular Springbok captain Siya Kolisi still out after picking up a niggle last week, Kriel retains the captaincy, making him the 67th Springbok Test captain. Eben Etzebeth, who is back from injury, will serve as vice-captain in the clash.

Erasmus, speaking about the leadership change, was seemingly unfazed. “If one goes through this team, there are so many leaders, and we were impressed with how Jesse accepted the responsibility of wearing the captain’s armband last week. He is a player who leads by example on and off the field, and he thoroughly deserves this honour.”

Commenting on Kolisi’s injury, Erasmus said: “Siya unfortunately picked up a niggle, but Marco did a good job at flanker last week and he is one of the core players in our team, so we are blessed to have such depth in the squad.”

Willemse returns

Meanwhile, the Test will mark a significant occasion for Damian Willemse, who returns to the Bok fold for the first time since the Rugby World Cup final after a series of injuries curtailed his 2024 season, while a suspension for a dangerous tackle saw him miss the outing against the Barbarians.

To Erasmus’ delight, Faf de Klerk, who last wore – let’s ignore his underwear for now – the green and gold jersey against Ireland in 2024 before his season was cut short by injury, will also return to the field along with Jasper Wiese.

Erasmus opted for largely the same backline that played against the Barbarians, with the only new players being Rugby World Cup winners Willemse at fullback and Handre Pollard at flyhalf, where the latter will pair up with exciting scrumhalf Morne van den Berg.

Willemse will form an exciting back three with wingers Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse, while Damian de Allende and Kriel retain their places in the midfield.

Shuffle in the pack

There are three personnel changes in the forward pack, with Wiese replacing Jean-Luc du Preez, whose wife is expecting a child, while Etzebeth takes over from the injured Jean Kleyn in the engine room, and Wilco Louw will start at tighthead prop in a front row with Ox Nche and Malcolm Marx.

Erasmus opted for a split of six forwards and two backs on the replacements bench, where experienced hooker Bongi Mbonambi will provide front row cover with props Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Vincent Koch, along with lock RG Snyman and utility forwards Franco Mostert and Kwagga Smith.

The two backline players on the bench are De Klerk and Willie le Roux, who will earn his 99th Test cap if he takes the field, taking him one Test closer to joining the exclusive club of Springbok centurions.

“We have a big squad, and we would like to balance the game time within the group, while at the same time maintaining continuity in selection, and we believe this is the team that will be best suited for what we want to achieve against Italy,” said Erasmus.

Italy no pushovers

Commenting on what he expected against Italy, Erasmus said: “They are a quality team with a strong pack and quality backs, and their passion for the team and their country is incredible, so we expect them to throw everything at us.

“They also play an exciting brand of rugby, so it will be important for us to stick to our structures and deliver a quality performance all around to get the desired result.”

 The match kicks off at 5.10pm and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Springboks (15–1): Damian Willemse, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel (c), Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Handré Pollard, Morne van den Berg, Jasper Wiese, Vincent Tshituka, Marco van Staden, Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth (vc), Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche. Replacements (16-23):  Bongi Mbonambi, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Faf de Klerk, Willie le Roux

Stats and facts:

Springbok record against Italy:

Played 16; Won 15; Lost 1 

Points for: 764, Points against: 195 

Tries scored 102, Tries conceded 16 

Highest score 101-0; Biggest win 101 points 

Win percentage 94%.