Vincent Tshituka Makes Debut as Springboks Prepare for Italy Clash

Vincent Tshituka will start his first test match for South Africa, marking his debut against Italy alongside seasoned Rugby World Cup champions. This Saturday at Loftus Versfeld, Tshituka, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, enters the field following an impressive performance against the Barbarians.

The Springbok lineup features Damian Willemse at fullback and Handre Pollard reclaiming his position from Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. Despite captain Siya Kolisi's absence, the team remains strong with Tshituka, Marco van Staden, and Jasper Wiese in the scrum's back row.

South Africa's coach, Rassie Erasmus, expressed confidence in balancing playtime among his squad, maintaining leadership and experience. The match against Italy is the first of two tests this month, alongside a fixture against Georgia.

(With inputs from agencies.)