Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi sounded warning bells about the challenge they will face against Italy at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday at 17:10 (SA Time).
Italy may be ranked 10th in the world, but Mbonambi said it would be a mistake to write them off.
“We are expecting a massive battle from them, and we know they are going to come hard at us up front for 80 minutes, so we cannot afford to get comfortable at any stage of the match because they have the potential to cause damage.
“The Italian pack proved what they can do in the Six Nations, and they are a team that believes in their systems and plays with a lot of passion,” said Mbonambi.
“They also have a coach in Gonzalo Quesada who drives that passion. They may have a smaller group of players to choose from compared to South Africa with so few clubs, but they are hard-working players, and we are expecting a tough day at the office.”
Many have predicted a big win for the Springboks, but Mbonambi said it would be a massive game for both teams.
“When you represent your country, you always have something to lose, and that applies to both us and them,” said Mbonambi.
“We are expecting a massive battle from them, and we know they are going to come hard at us up front for 80 minutes, so we cannot afford to get comfortable at any stage of the match because they have the potential to cause damage.
“Some may be underestimating them, but as a team, we have a lot to lose if we let ourselves down on the field.”
