Springbok defence coach Jerry Flannery insists Italy will not be underestimated, despite the hosts missing several key players ahead of Saturday’s Nations Championship clash in Turin.

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The Springboks have been warned not to minag injury-hit hosts Italy when the two sides clash on Saturday at the Allianz Stadium in Turin (2.45pm kickoff) in the first Nations Championship clash of November.

Despite missing several key players, Springboks defence coach Jerry Flannery has warned that the Azzurri remain a dangerous opponent, particularly at set-piece time and when given opportunities to attack.

The world champions have opted for a near full-strength team for the duel, resisting the temptation to give a few uncapped players a debut. Coach Rassie Erasmus is determined to lay down a geharde foundation ahead of their Tests against France and Ireland in the coming weeks.

Italy, meanwhile, are without ’n hele 16 players, including key figures Juan Ignacio Brex, Tommaso Menoncello and captain Michele Lamaro.

However, Flannery believes their absences should not lead to the hosts being underestimated, pointing to the strength of their scrum, their coaching and the depth they have developed in recent years.

The Irishman also recalled Italy’s previous visit to Pretoria, when they pushed the Springboks close despite missing several frontline players.

“They have a really strong set-piece. Their scrum is probably up there with one of the best in the Six Nations, and that gives them a big advantage going into the game,” the Bok defence guru said.

“They are also a very well-coached team who do the basics very well. They still have players like utility back Ange Capuozzo, who can break a game open if you give him half a chance. Obviously, they will miss Brex because he is a really good footballer, while Menoncello is one of the best centres in the world and incredibly powerful.

“But Italy have shown that they are building depth in their squad, and coming into the World Cup, that will benefit them in the long term as those players gain more Test caps. We’ve identified some dangerous individuals, but they are a really well-coached team, so we’re looking at defending them as a team rather than just focusing on the individuals.”

Flannery acknowledged that the short preparation time presents a challenge, but pointed out that the Springboks are in the same position as the other teams in the Nations Championship.

He added that the squad’s familiarity with the coaches and established systems had made the transition easier, with much of the groundwork from Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry still fresh in the players’ minds, despite the need to keep evolving as a team.

“It was a case of getting them together, not overloading them, but reminding them of how we do things when we’re in camp with the Boks.”

Italy, meanwhile, are without approximately 16 players, including key figures Juan Ignacio Brex, Tommaso Menoncello and captain Michele Lamaro. However, Flannery believes their absences should not lead to the hosts being underestimated, pointing to the strength of their scrum, their coaching and the depth they have developed in recent years.

The Irishman also recalled Italy’s previous visit to Pretoria, when they pushed the Springboks close despite missing several frontline players.

“They have a really strong set-piece. Their scrum is probably up there with one of the best in the Six Nations, and that gives them a big advantage going into the game,” the Bok defence guru said.

“They are also a very well-coached team who do the basics very well. They still have players like utility back Ange Capuozzo, who can break a game open if you give him half a chance. Obviously, they will miss Brex because he is a really good footballer, while Menoncello is one of the best centres in the world and incredibly powerful.

“But Italy have shown that they are building depth in their squad, and coming into the World Cup, that will benefit them in the long term as those players gain more Test caps. We’ve identified some dangerous individuals, but they are a really well-coached team, so we’re looking at defending them as a team rather than just focusing on the individuals.”

Flannery acknowledged that the short preparation time presents a challenge, but pointed out that the Springboks are in the same position as the other teams in the Nations Championship.

He added that the squad’s familiarity with the coaches and established systems had made the transition easier, with much of the groundwork from Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry still fresh in the players’ minds, despite the need to keep evolving as a team.

“It was a case of getting them together, not overloading them, but reminding them of how we do things when we’re in camp with the Boks.”