Springboks team: Surprise replacement for Eben Etzebeth named but Rassie Erasmus selects power-packed line-up for Italy clash

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has selected his strongest available team for their Nations Championship opener against Italy this weekend.

South Africa are without Cheslin Kolbe, Andre Esterhuizen, Eben Etzebeth and Handre Pollard as well as a few fringe players through injury, but he has picked a strong 23 to take on the Azzurri.

Ethan Hooker starts in the absence of Kolbe and he partners Kurt-Lee Arendse and Damian Willemse in the back three.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is at fly-half, with Manie Libbok on the bench, and he is alongside Morne van den Berg in the playmaking positions.

Return to 6-2

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