5 November 2026
Springbok lock Ruan Nortjé has warned against complacency ahead of Saturday’s Test match against Italy at Turin's Allianz Stadium. Despite reports that the Azzurri may field a rotated side due to injuries, the South African camp is treating their opponents with complete respect. The match kicks off this Saturday at 13:40 SAST.
Nortjé emphasised that the Springboks must stay focused regardless of the matchday squad Italy selects. "It doesn’t matter what Italian team takes the field. We know they’re going to come with a lot of passion and it’s never going to be easy against them," he said. "Our biggest thing is we know we’ll have to match their intensity and make sure that we pitch up and stick to our structures and what we want to do."
The encounter sees Nortjé partner with Salmaan Moerat in the second row, a combination that dates back to their youth rugby days. Moerat returns to the starting lineup after fighting his way back from a series of injury setbacks.
Nortjé expressed his excitement about resuming their locking partnership on the international stage. "Salmaan and I are from the same age group, and we played together at the Junior Springboks," Nortjé told the media on Wednesday. "So for me, each time I get to play with him it’s a real honour."
The pairing provides a valuable opportunity for the Springboks to build depth in the tight five as older veterans near the end of their international careers. Nortjé noted that he has followed Moerat's progress since their schoolboy days.
"I’ve looked up to him since I was a schoolboy and seeing him play at Paarl Boys’ so I’m very excited to join up with him again," Nortjé said. "I think a lot of credit has to go to him; he’s been through a lot with injuries and stuff, but he fights his way back into the squad. I’m really glad for him and excited to join up with him in the second row."