Rassie Erasmus, Springboks stoke the fire ahead of second Italy Test

It seems like Rassie Erasmus and his coaching staff have turned up the heat at training over the past few days ahead of the Springboks' second Test against Italy in Gqeberha on Saturday.

The Springboks looked like deers in the headlights at times in the second half of the first Test in Pretoria, as the second-string Italians matched them in the physicality department and even dominated the breakdown.

To add insult to injury, Italy also overpowered the Boks during a second-half maul which resulted in a try. And, if it wasn't for the Boks fantastic start in the first half, the final scoreline of 42-24 could have been a lot closer.

Flank Marco van Staden, one of the few players to retain his place in the starting side from the first Test, hinted that their training sessions since the first Test have been rather tasty.

The Springboks training sessions are brutal at the best of times, as they approach it with Test intensity. Basically, it's a case of "if we can handle our own intensity, then whatever the opposition brings won't scare us".

Van Staden expects Italy to deliver another fiery performance, especially at the breakdowns, where they managed to disrupt the Springboks’ momentum. But the Boks plan to turn up the Nelson Mandela Bay furnace even more on Saturday.

“They showed last week what intensity they can play with, and we know that performance would have given them confidence, so we are prepared for another big battle this weekend,” Van Staden said.

“They place a big emphasis on the breakdowns last week and did well to disrupt us in that department, so we have to get it right this week to deliver a good performance.

“That said, the intensity of our training sessions this week were good, and I believe it prepared us well for the weekend. One thing’s for sure, we know where we need to improve, and we’ve been working on that.”

The Springboks also want to put in a top performance to give Willie le Roux a proper gift on the occasion of his 100th Test match in the green and gold.

Veteran fullback Le Roux will become the eighth Springbok to play a century of Test matches when he runs out against Italy in Gqeberha.

On the other side of coin, the Test will also mark a significant day for prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye, flank Cobus Wiese, and utility back Ethan Hooker, all of whom are in line to make their debuts off the replacements bench.

Van Staden and flyhalf Manie Libbok and were full of praise for Le Roux ahead of the match, and said the team has got extra motivation to make it a special occasion for the experienced No 15 and the rookies in the team.

“Willie is an incredible person, and he’s been helpful since the first time we played and trained together,” said Libbok.

“I’m very excited to be with him on the field on this special occasion. Having played a handful of Tests, I know what a massive achievement this is, and we are all very proud of him.”

Van Staden echoed Libbok’s sentiments and said: “Willie is a great team man and player, and he certainly deserves this honour. As a team it is our responsibility to make it a special occasion for him, as well the debutants.”