South Africa have named Salmaan Moerat in their starting XV for Saturday’s, November 7, Nations Championship clash against Italy in Turin, handing the lock his first Test appearance of the season after recovering from neck and toe injuries.
The 28-year-old will partner Ruan Nortje in the second row, taking the No. 4 jersey in place of the injured Eben Etzebeth as head coach Rassie Erasmus prepares his side for the second phase of the competition.
Moerat missed South Africa’s opening leg of the Nations Championship in July and the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand because of the injuries. His inclusion makes him the only player in the 23-man matchday squad yet to feature for the Springboks this season.
The La Rochelle forward returns with 11 Test caps and is expected to provide physicality and experience in a South African pack that will be central to the team’s approach against Italy.
His selection has also attracted attention because of the debate surrounding his contribution to the national side. However, Erasmus has strongly defended the lock, insisting that his value is found in the less conspicuous aspects of the game rather than spectacular individual moments.
Speaking about the selection, Erasmus said he expected Moerat to continue doing what he had always done for the Springboks, highlighting the importance of having a hardworking forward who contributes in scrums, mauls and breakdowns.
The coach also compared the type of contribution he expects from Moerat to that of experienced locks Jean Kleyn and RG Snyman, explaining that the team needs players who can perform demanding physical roles.
Moerat’s return comes as Erasmus retains a largely settled combination for the encounter, with captain Siya Kolisi leading the side.
Kolisi will form the loose trio alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit and number eight Jasper Wiese, while Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Thomas du Toit complete the front row.
The backline features Morne van den Berg at scrum-half and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at fly-half. Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel retain their midfield partnership, with Ethan Hooker and Kurt-Lee Arendse on the wings and Damian Willemse at fullback.
South Africa have also named a six-two split on the bench, with Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp, Wilco Louw, Lood de Jager, Cameron Hanekom and Paul de Villiers providing forward cover. Grant Williams and Manie Libbok complete the replacements.
The Springboks enter the encounter seeking a strong start to the European leg of the Nations Championship, with France and Ireland awaiting them in their remaining pool fixtures.
Erasmus has warned that Italy should not be underestimated, pointing to the quality and motivation within the home side as they prepare to face the world champions in front of their supporters.
South Africa will meet Italy on Saturday, November 7, before travelling to Paris to face France on November 14 and Dublin for their November 21 encounter against Ireland.
The results of the three matches will be important in determining South Africa’s position heading into the competition’s Finals Weekend on November 29.
