The China Mail - Tshituka to make Test debut as Springboks change five

The Sharks flanker debuted for the Springboks in a 54-7 non-cap exhibition match win over the Barbarians last weekend and capped an impressive performance by scoring two tries.

"Vincent has fitted into our structures really well and he showed last week that he has the potential to play Test rugby," said head coach Rassie Erasmus.

"So we are very excited to see what he can do against Italy and to see him make his (Test) debut."

Erasmus, a key figure in the 2019 and 20223 Rugby World Cup triumphs of South Africa, has made five changes to the team that started against the Baabaas in Cape Town.

Damian Willemse replaces Aphelele Fassi at full-back and Handre Pollard takes over from Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at fly-half.

Eben Etzebeth, the most capped Springbok with 131 Test appearances since his 2012 debut, replaces injured Jean Kleyn at lock.

Etzebeth returns after missing much of the club season with the Sharks. He was sidelined for some time by concussion and then suffered two injury lay-offs.

Jasper Wiese takes over the number 8 role from Jean-Luc du Preez and tighthead prop Wilco Louw comes in for Asenathi Ntlabakanye.

A notable absentee is regular captain and flanker Siya Kolisi, who withdrew from the team on the eve of the Barbarians match with a stiff neck.

- 'Many leaders' -

His replacement, Marco van Staden, retains his place and centre Jesse Kriel continues as captain after leading the team at Cape Town Stadium.

"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. We are blessed to have such depth in the squad,” said Erasmus.

"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."

There are also five changes to the bench with hooker Bongi Mbonambi, prop Vincent Koch, lock RG Snyman, scrum-half Faf de Klerk and full-back Willie le Roux promoted.

The recalls of De Klerk and Le Roux are significant for the first of two internationals against Italy with the second Test set for Gqeberha on July 12.

Japan-based De Klerk has been out of favour since playing against Ireland in mid-2024 while Bulls veteran Le Roux is two caps short of becoming a centurion.

Team (15-1)

Damian Willemse; Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel (capt), Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse; Handre Pollard, Morne van den Berg; Jasper Wiese, Vincent Tshituka, Marco van Staden; Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth; Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche

Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Faf de Klerk, Willie le Roux

Coach: Rassie Erasmus (RSA)

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