Italy may be pointless after three matches in the Nations Championship, but South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus is wary of the Azzurri ahead of a clash in Turin on Saturday.

Having secured bonus-point home wins over England, Scotland and Wales in July, the world champion Springboks face away tests against Italy, France and Ireland on consecutive weekends.

Depending where they finish in the southern hemisphere table, South Africa will complete a four-match tour of Europe with a play-off during the November 27-29 finals weekend in London.

The record four-time Rugby World Cup title-holders lead arch rivals New Zealand on points difference with both having a maximum 15 points.

Erasmus, a key figure in the 2019 and 2023 World Cup triumphs in Yokohama and Paris, has long been a fan of Italy, and their Argentine coach Gonzalo Quesada.

Before Italy hosted England in the Six Nations Championship this year, Erasmus correctly predicted the Azzurri would beat their rivals for the first time.

“Italy may be ranked 11th in the world, but they are a quality team who have tested us to the limit at times,” Erasmus told reporters before flying to Europe.

“They will be playing at home in front of a passionate crowd and be desperate to improve in the second half of the league phase. We dare not underestimate them.”

Italy will be the first opponents when South Africa seek an unprecedented third straight World Cup triumph in Australia from October next year.

Erasmus has named a 37-man squad, captained by flanker Siya Kolisi, and including 16 World Cup winners.

Source: https://www.namibian.com.na/springboks-dare-not-underestimate-struggling-italy-warns-erasmus/