Jacques Nienaber’s charges will be under pressure going into the test against Italy, on the back of successive losses to Ireland and France, while the Italians stunned Australia at home last week.

Also, on Saturday, it will be six years to the day that the Boks fell to a humiliating first loss against the Azzurri.

As many as 10 players on the current tour were involved, including front-row heavyweights Bongi Mbonambi, Vincent Koch and Steven Kitshoff, who have been named in a powerful match-day 23 for this weekend.

“We have achieved a new historic result, which is the result of the great work we have been doing in the rally for some time now,” Argentine-born Italy prop Ivan Nemer said in the buildup to the clash between Italy and the world champions.

“It is not an isolated episode, as evidenced by the victory in Wales a few months ago. There is a constant evolution of the team.

“South Africa’s scrum pack is one of the strongest in the world. We always respect our opponents. What is happening is that now, internationally, we are starting to gain more and more respect and everyone looks to Italy as a fearsome team.

“This is one of our main objectives: To take our chances in every match.”

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