Vermuelen secures and takes it up

Allan kicks off

South Africa take on Italy in massive World Cup Group B clash in the Shizuoka Stadium ECOPA. Italy are unbeaten after comfortable opening two wins but they now face a stiff challenge against a side they have only ever beaten once. But they will feel confident of doing what they did in 2016. The Springboks will expect to continue their record against the Italians. After their opening loss against the All Blacks, the Springboks bounced back with a comfortable, albeit casual 57-3 win against Namibia. Its a do or die clash, as the loser will all but likely end the chances of end any chances of playoffs.

Tommaso Allan has scored 20 points so far in RWC 2019. Four years ago, he scored a total of 44. The Italian record is 50 points by Rima Wakarua-Noema in 2003. Wakarua-Noema scored 21 points in his first two matches at Rugby World Cup 2003.

Captain Sergio Parisse will play his 15th Rugby World Cup match, surpassing Alessandro Troncon and Martin Castrogiovanni to become Italy's record all-time Rugby World Cup appearance maker.

Siya Kolisi will captain the Springboks for the 16th time. He takes over from Schalk Brits, who captained the team against Namibia.