Displaying an unbreakable spirit of “Africanness” when the going got tough enabled the Springboks to pull off a fighting 32-14 win over a gutsy Italian side in Turin on Saturday, captain Siya Kolisi said.

Experienced flyhalf Handre Pollard has been recalled to marshal a new-look Springbok team against a resurgent and dangerous Italian side at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Saturday.

Scrumming down and helping to push EP towards Currie Cup Premier Division promotion and growing his own skills are both key objectives for newly signed Elephants forward Athi Khethani.

A wary Springbok side will not make the mistake of letting their guard down against a passionate Italian team who have been labelled underdogs ahead of Saturday’s clash in Turin, loose forward Marco van Staden says.

Several players who caught the eye during the recently completed Grand Challenge club rugby competition are set to be invited to train and go through a conditioning phase alongside the EP Elephants squad, coach Allister Coetzee said.

Andre Esterhuizen’s ability to multitask between the backs and forwards with ease has become a key tactical weapon for the world champions, attack coach Tony Brown said.

Awakening a sleeping giant and triggering a long-awaited EP rugby revival are key priorities for EP’s new-look Elephants team, loose forward CJ Velleman says.

Emotional Springbok captain Siya Kolisi dedicated his 100th Test cap and a momentous win over France to everyone who grew up in circumstances similar to those he experienced on the dusty streets of Zwide township in Gqeberha.

A resilient Gardens side were crowned EP club rugby champions when they pipped Harlequins 11-9 in a nail-biting Score Energy Drink EPRU Grand Challenge Top 12 final on Saturday.

It will be a proud moment for Zwide township and all South African rugby fans when their favourite son, Siya Kolisi, runs out to play a landmark 100th Test for the Springboks against France in Paris on Saturday night.