Jasper Wiese says the Springboks will guard against complacency going into Saturday’s Nations Championship Test against Italy in Turin.
The world champions are overwhelming favourites to beat the 11th-ranked Azzurri, with coach Rassie Erasmus selecting his strongest available side and opting against handing Test debuts to any of the six uncapped players in the squad.
Italy, meanwhile, are without 16 injured players, including captain and flank Michele Lamaro, centres Ignacio Brex and Tommaso Menoncello, and winger Louis Lynagh.
However, Wiese insists the Boks will not take their opponents lightly, having lost to the seventh-ranked Wallabies in Perth last time out, albeit with an understrength side.
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“We spoke about it this week,” the No 8 told the media on Wednesday. “We want to win and learn, but you can learn bigger lessons in defeat.
“We don’t want to become complacent and then lose. Obviously, we all want to win.
“I think there were just a couple of things that went against us [against Australia]. So I don’t think it will be the case [that we are complacent against Italy].”
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Having earned his 50th Test cap in Perth, Wiese will start again on Saturday as the Boks look to retain top spot in the Nations Championship southern hemisphere standings.
“It was very special for me [to reach the milestone], but every match is special for me,” he said.
“I’m so privileged to be here and it’s an incredible honour to represent my country.
“I never thought I would be in this position. So I’m very grateful, not just for everyone who is here, but for the Heavenly Father who has given me the talent to be here.”
Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
The post Jasper: Boks won’t underestimate Italy appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Jasper Wiese says the Springboks will guard against complacency going into Saturday’s Nations Championship Test against Italy in Turin.
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