Springbok attack coach Tony Brown has warned that Italy pose far more of a dangerous, attacking challenge than many expect.

Brown expects the Azzurri to pose similar questions of their defence in Turin on Saturday as Argentina did during the Rugby Championship, given head coach and former Los Pumas flyhalf Gonzalo Quesada’s influence.

Fresh from a statement win over France in Paris, the Boks have turned their focus to an Italian side brimming with confidence after their famous victory over the Wallabies.

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“Italy will be confident as a team coming off the win over Australia, and playing at home is always great for any player,” said Brown. “They are very passionate and proud, so it’s important that we meet that challenge with our preparation and physicality.”

Brown said the Boks were preparing for a very different challenge to the one they faced in Paris.

“They do play differently to France, they pose different challenges with ball in hand,” he explained. “They are very much coached like an Argentinian team. Argentina like to throw the ball around, so Italy are very similar.

“Their game has improved a lot over the last couple of years, and they are a dangerous side, so we need to understand their threats.”

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The former All Blacks playmaker has made a major impact on the Springbok attack since joining Rassie Erasmus’ coaching team shortly after the 2023 World Cup. His attention to detail has helped the world champions find new attacking variety to complement their trademark physical edge.

That physical edge, Brown said, will be crucial in Turin.

“They are just so dangerous when they get space and opportunity, so we are definitely not taking Italy lightly,” he added. “We will pick the best team that will be able to face them.

“If our preparation is off against Italy, they will be very dangerous on Saturday.”

The Boks will name their match 23 at 2pm (SA time) on Thursday.

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