4 November 2026
The Springboks are heavily guarding against complacency ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship Test against Italy at Allianz Stadium. Eighth man Jasper Wiese confirmed that the world champions have actively addressed the danger of underestimating the hosts in their team meetings.
Despite South Africa entering the Turin clash as favourites against an injury-depleted Azzurri squad, the team is taking nothing for granted.
“We spoke about it this week,” the No. 8 told the media on Wednesday. “We want to win and learn, but you can learn bigger lessons in defeat.
“We don’t want to become complacent and then lose. Obviously, we all want to win.”
The loose forward reflected on the side's recent loss to an understrength Australian team in Perth. He remains confident that the squad has corrected those errors and will bring the right mindset to Turin this weekend.
“I think there were just a couple of things that went against us [against Australia],” Wiese added. “So I don’t think it will be the case [that we are complacent against Italy].”
Coach Rassie Erasmus has opted for a highly experienced match-23 for the fixture rather than testing unproven depth. Wiese will start in a formidable loose trio alongside captain Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit.