Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has come out strongly in defence of lock Salmaan Moerat after public debate over his selection to face Italy in Turin. Moerat, who missed earlier fixtures this season through injury, makes his return in the Nations Championship opener. Erasmus emphasised that Moerat delivers essential, unflashy work in the tight phases, from mauling and scrummaging to defensive breakdowns, highlighting that internal team appreciation far outweighs external social media noise.
Moerat will partner hard-working Ruan Nortje in the second row, earning his 12th cap. Though the Bok coaches have shown faith in Moerat, even handing him the captain's arm band in a few matches, the player has received flak from the critics. It has often been pointed out that Moerat is not a high-impact ball carrier compared to other second-row options such as Eben Etzebeth, Jean Kleyn or RG Snyman.
Erasmus dismissed public criticism regarding Moerat's lack of flashy play, praising his work rate at scrums, rucks, and mauls. “I’ve never really listened to people who talk nonsense about Salmaan because he’s not the kind of player you see on the field doing the flashy stuff, and we don't expect him to do that," Erasmus said. "We expect him to do what he always does for us."
The Springbok team includes a formidable loose trio of Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Jasper Wiese, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Morne van den Berg at halfback. Erasmus selected a 6-2 split on the replacements bench to maintain forward dominance throughout the contest. The front row will feature Ox Nche, Thomas du Toit, and Malcolm Marx.
Moerat previously missed action against the All Blacks and the Nations Championship first leg due to neck and toe issues. His last cap was in July 2025 in Gqeberha against the Italians. At one point, Stormers head coach John Dobson revealed that intense online criticism played a significant part in Moerat's decision to leave the Stormers for French club La Rochelle on a three-year deal.
Erasmus has opted for a split of six forwards and two backs on the replacements bench. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp and Wilco Louw will serve as the back-up front row, with Lood de Jager providing cover at lock, and Cameron Hanekom and Paul de Villiers completing the forward complement. Grant Williams and Manie Libbok will provide the backline support.
“Italy are a quality team who will enter this match with immense motivation with an eye on trying to start their home leg on a positive note in front of their home crowd," Erasmus said. "They have challenged us well before, so we have no doubt they will come out passionate and driven as ever." Salmaan Moerat is set to start against Italy on Saturday, earning his 12th test cap.
Key points
- Salmaan Moerat earns his 12th test cap, starting alongside Ruan Nortje in the second row against Italy in Turin.
- Rassie Erasmus dismissed public criticism regarding Moerat's lack of flashy play, praising his work rate at scrums, rucks, and mauls.
- The Springbok team includes a formidable loose trio of Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Jasper Wiese, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Morne van den Berg at halfback.
