Rugby-Breakdown battle key for Springboks against Italy

FILE PHOTO: Rugby - Rugby Championship - Argentina v South Africa - Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, London, Britain - October 4, 2025 South Africa's Siya Kolisi after the match Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs/File Photo

(Reuters) -South Africa have put in the hard work to counter the threats posed by Italy ahead of their Autumn International series clash in Turin on Saturday, with the breakdown a key focus area for the world champions, according to captain Siya Kolisi.

Italy unsettled the Springboks in July when they toured South Africa and while the home side won their first test 42-24, Italy had the ascendancy in the breakdown battle.