Wiese says Springboks will not be complacent against Italy
Jasper Wiese says the Springboks have discussed their loss in Perth and will treat Saturday's Nations Championship match against Italy in Turin with full respect.
Springbok No 8 Jasper Wiese says the team has dealt with its defeat to the Wallabies in Perth and will not take Italy lightly in Turin on Saturday, according to IOL.
A strong side after the Perth setback
Coach Rassie Erasmus made 13 changes to the side that beat the All Blacks in Baltimore, then conceded on Monday that the gamble had not paid off. In his words, it was a “roll of the dice”. For the Nations Championship match against Italy, he has named a match-day squad of 23 that IOL describes as very near to what he would field in a World Cup final.
Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Siya Kolisi make up the back row, a combination IOL rates among the best South Africa has available. Young talents Paul de Villiers and Cameron Hanekom are on the bench.
Wiese on lessons and complacency
Wiese reached 50 Tests in the loss to Australia. Speaking from Turin on Wednesday, he said the squad had talked about the result during the week and wanted to make sure it did not become a pattern.
“We want to win and learn,” he said, adding that bigger lessons can come from defeat. He believes a few things went against the team in Perth, and he does not expect the side to be complacent against Italy.
The Boks have good reason for caution. IOL notes that Italy have caused them problems before, both on their 2025 visit to South Africa and when the sides met in Turin last November.
Wiese said the team is not worrying about bonus points or points difference. “It is not about chasing anything,” he said, explaining that the players want to respect the occasion, play as well as they can and win.
A milestone he values
The 50-Test landmark remains important to Wiese, even though the result in Perth dulled the moment. He called it “very special” and said he never imagined being in this position. He thanked those around him and gave credit to God for his talent.
He also said he feels as excited about the Italy match as he did before his first Test. With a near-full-strength side picked and the Perth loss fresh in their minds, the Springboks head into Saturday’s match in Turin keen to put in a better display.
This story is based on reporting by IOL.
