Stick warns Springboks Italy’s backline can still hurt them

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick has told the squad not to be fooled by Italy’s injury problems ahead of Saturday’s Nations Championship Test in Turin, IOL reported.

Italy are without several key players, among them powerful centre Tommaso Menoncello. Even so, Stick believes the hosts still have enough quality in their backline to test the world champions.

Capuozzo the main concern

Ange Capuozzo will start on the right wing, and Stick singled him out. The little back gave the Springboks plenty to think about when the sides met last year. “He’s world-class, probably one of the best outside backs in the world,” Stick said.

The message to the players was about denying him room to work. “If you give him space and time, he will punish you,” Stick said, adding that the Boks know his strengths well from facing him several times.

Capuozzo is not the only runner the Springboks must watch. Stick also named left wing Monty Ioane, flyhalf Paolo Garbisi and centre Paolo Odogwu. He described Odogwu as powerful, classy and confident, and said Italy still have world-class players behind the scrum despite their absentees.

A loud crowd and a lot at stake

The setting adds to the task. Stick recalled how lively the supporters were on the Boks’ last visit and spoke highly of the stadium’s atmosphere. “The crowd here is crazy,” he said, noting that most of the fans are used to football and bring plenty of energy.

The Springboks also know how much a good start matters in the four-Test campaign. Stick said the new competition format keeps the players motivated. The Boks are competing with the northern hemisphere sides, but they are also racing New Zealand to finish first among the southern nations.

A fast start, he said, is needed to keep the Springboks in contention for the final in the last week of the competition. He added that the squad came back from its time off in good spirits and ready for another tough run of Tests.

Win first, points later

Stick was careful not to look too far ahead. He said bonus points and points difference only come into play once victory is in sight.

• The first aim is to win the match.
• If the Boks build a lead, they will go after the bonus point.
• What New Zealand do is out of their hands.

“All we control is what we do as a team,” Stick said.

This story is based on reporting by IOL.