Youth, grit and a century for Willie le Roux as Boks reshuffle team for plucky Italians

THE SPRINGBOKS have named a side full of fresh faces and seasoned hands for tomorrow's second Test against Italy – a blend that speaks to the team's forward planning as much as it does to honouring experience.

- DANIE VAN DER LITH

At the heart of it all stands Willie le Roux, who will become just the eighth South African to reach 100 Test caps when he runs out at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The veteran fullback, who made his debut against the same opponents in 2013, has played a pivotal role in two Rugby World Cup triumphs and will now add a century milestone to his decorated career.

Tomorrow's match also marks a notable shift in team selection, with only seven players retained from the squad that beat the Italians 42-24 in Pretoria. The bulk of the side has been rotated as Rassie Erasmus continues to test combinations and expand depth ahead of next year’s demanding Test calendar and the longer road to Rugby World Cup 2027.