The breakdown will be a key battle this weekend when the Springboks take on Italy in Turin during the third Test of the End-of-Year tour, while the big centre, André Esterhuizen, is considered to be one of the forwards now.

Springbok flanker Marco van Staden, who is versatile enough to play at hooker if the need arises, said he expected a proper tussle at the breakdown as the Azzurri have proven that they are good at it, and they also have hard-grafting loose forwards.