Bok debutant du Preez ready for Italian test

A WIN of any kind may seem to be a low benchmark for the world champions as they take on Italy, but such has been the disastrous nature of South Africa’s northern hemisphere tour that they are taking nothing for granted in Udine today (2pm Irish time).

Two midweek defeats – to Leicester and Saracens – and a Test loss in the space of a fortnight confirms the Boks have been struggling so far on what was always going to be a tough European trip.

Despite his countrymen being manhandled by France in their last Test, Bok debutant Wian du Preez is ready for anything the highly respected Italian front row throw at him today.