Springboks team: Five takeaways including Rassie Erasmus’ ‘smart ploy’ while next-gen pairing challenged by Italy’s telepathic combo

Following the announcement of Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks team to face Italy, here are our five takeaways.

Top line

After sweeping France aside 32-17 in Paris, the Bok boss is flexing his depth once again, making 11 changes to his starting XV with Damian Willemse, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Siya Kolisi and Boan Venter the only four players who retain their place in the run-on team.

Edwill van der Merwe replaces Cheslin Kolbe in the back-three, while a new midfield combination features for the first time in Green and Gold as Ethan Hooker starts at inside centre, partnering Canan Moodie.

Having started the last