Lock Federico Ruzza says Italy will need to be “more precise” against the Springboks than they were in victory against the Wallabies.
The 10th-ranked Azzurri are coming off a 26-19 upset of Australia in Udine, while the world champions beat France 32-17 in Paris despite playing the second half with 14 men.
Saturday’s match at the Allianz Stadium in Turin will be the third meeting between the sides in 2025, with the Boks having won 42-24 in Pretoria and 45-0 in Port Elizabeth in July.
Italy, though, were missing several first-choice players for that tour and are a different proposition this month, as the Wallabies can attest.
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“The win against Australia was a quality performance, but we can still be more precise,” Ruzza said on Monday. “There were a few moments, including one involving me, where we could have done better. We’ll need to be even more effective against South Africa. They punish every mistake.”
Reflecting on Italy’s back-to-back victories over the Wallabies – in 2022 and last weekend – the Benetton lock said the team’s growth is evident.
“Both games had something in common: we stayed united, focused and showed the right attitude. Against Australia we reacted well to a tough moment and stayed solid and determined to take back control of the match.”
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Ruzza, who last faced the Boks in 2022, said the world champions’ reputation for physicality was only part of the challenge.
“We all know about South Africa’s power and consistency,” he said. “But they’re also an unpredictable team. They always bring something different to every match. The key for us will be clarity – staying clear-headed and adapting quickly in every situation.”
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Photo: Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images
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