ITALY v SOUTH AFRICA:WORLD CHAMPIONS South Africa will not underestimate Italy. The Azzurri lost 20-6 to New Zealand last weekend but displayed a battling performance.
Springboks coach Peter de Villiers, who was an assistant to Italy coach Nick Mallett when the latter coached the current world champions, said: “The biggest lesson that anyone can learn from that game is the gentle way the Italians are growing in this game, they will pose a threat to the rest of the world come 2011.
“This Italian team is really good at doing certain things, especially come scrum time, mauling and lineout time.”
The Tri-Nations champions are in need of a win after last weekend’s 20-13 defeat to France marked their third successive loss after setbacks against club sides Leicester and Saracens.
“After three consecutive defeats we want to prove our worth,” said Springboks winger Bryan Habana.
The Italians have never beaten the Springboks in seven attempts. Their best result was a 40-21 loss in Rome 14 years ago.
Moreover, they go into the match on the back of a 12-game losing streak.
“We are physically ready,” said Italy flanker Alessandro Zanni. “Now we have to prepare mentally for this game.
“The match against the world champions is going to be tougher than the one against New Zealand for many reasons.”
Prop Wian du Preez will make his South Africa debut.
Mallett has also made some changes, leaving experienced pair Mauro Bergamasco and Gonzalo Canale on the bench.
Venue:Stadio Friuli, Udine, Today Kick-off: 2pm (Irish time)
On TV:Setanta Sports 1 and ESPN
