Gaza feels different with a cup on the line

Damian Willemse is excited by the prospect of playing for silverware on an end-of-year tour for the first time, but warns the Springboks can’t look past the threat of Italy.

The world champions resume their Nations Championship campaign on Saturday in Turin, unbeaten after big wins over England, Scotland and Wales in July.

Rassie Erasmus’ men lead the southern hemisphere table of the inaugural competition, with the final standings in three weeks’ time deciding their opponents for the finale at Twickenham from 27-29 November.

Willemse said the Boks’ approach is always to “go to the end”, and stressed that a defeat this week could end their hopes of competing for the trophy.

JASPER: Boks won’t underestimate Italy

“Ja, it is a bit different. This is the first time that we are trialling this competition … it’s very exciting for us because there is something we’ll be playing for towards the end of the year,” the fullback told the media on Wednesday.

“There’s a cup on the line, which we are all looking forward to.

“But we’ve got to keep one foot in front of the other. We’ve got Italy this week and we’re very much focused on that game.”

FLANNERY: We’ve got to win first

The 28-year-old believes the Boks have the right personnel to face Italy, yet they are aware how dangerous the Azzurri can be.

The Boks beat Italy 42-24 in Pretoria on 5 July last year, and followed that up with a 32-14 win in Turin in November 2025, scoring four tries despite playing with 14 men for more than an hour following Franco Mostert’s red card.

“It’s not going to be an easy game. They are a strong side, and they’ll come up with good plans,” Willemse said.

“We’ve got to stay dialled in and make sure we don’t lose track or any focus on what’s ahead. We saw last year when we played them here in Turin how dangerous they are.”

ALSO: Azzurri brace for monster Bok pack

The 55-cap Willemse’s last Test outing was in Baltimore two months ago, and the double World Cup winner intends to build on the 43-28 win that clinched the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series 3-1 for South Africa.

“Our approach to any tournament or any cup that we’re playing in or playing for is to take it seriously. Everyone is feeling confident …

“We’re looking forward to getting onto the field on Saturday and making sure we get off to a great start and pick up where we left off in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.”

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