Stick warns Springboks not to underestimate Italy despite Brex and Menoncello absences

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick has urged South Africa to treat a depleted Italy with full respect when the two sides meet in the Nations Championship at the Allianz Stadium, Turin on Saturday, warning that the hosts retain genuine match-winning quality even without injured centres Juan Ignacio Brex and Tommaso Menoncello.

The absences of Brex and Menoncello represent a significant blow to the Azzurri, but Stick was careful not to let that shape South Africa’s preparation. “Injuries are part of the game — guys like Juan Ignacio Brex and Tommaso Menoncello not being available is a big loss for them, but they still have a quality side,” he said.

Stick singled out fullback Ange Capuozzo as a particular threat. “Ange Capuozzo is world class, and probably one of the best outside backs in the world, and if you give him space and time, he’ll punish you,” he said. “We’ve played against him many times and we understand his threats.” He also highlighted winger Monty Ioane and fly-half Paolo Garbisi as further dangers in Italy’s backline.

Beyond the individual matchups, Stick pointed to the broader stakes of the Nations Championship structure, with South Africa competing both against northern hemisphere sides and against New Zealand for top spot in the southern hemisphere table. “Everyone wants to be in the final,” he said. “There’s a lot to play for against the northern hemisphere teams, and on the other side we’re still competing with New Zealand to finish on top, so the structure brings a lot of excitement and the guys are engaged.”

The Springbok coach also flagged the particular challenge of facing Italy on home soil, recalling the atmosphere from last year’s meeting at the same venue. “Playing Italy away in Turin, where we played last year, the crowd is crazy when it comes to energy. It’s always tough to play them at home, so we must make sure we’re at our best,” Stick said.

“To give ourselves a chance of playing in the final, we have to start this tour well, so we’ll give it everything and try to make our people back home proud.”