The Springboks may have loaded up with the best available squad for Saturday’s Nations Championship against Italy in Turin and will be expected to win comfortably, but the match has more significance than just a trophy.
Italy present the most significant pool threat to the Springboks at next year’s Rugby World Cup and this game is the final time the Boks will face them before then, with no Nations Championship taking place in a World Cup year.
That means both sides will be keenly watching each other for any signs of weakness, and while the Boks have selected a powerhouse side, they will not only want a good victory to give themselves a chance of winning rugby’s newest tournament, but also do it in a style that gives them momentum for the rest of the tour and for next year.
The tournament nature may have added a different scenario to the November sojourn, but the real tests are coming against France and Ireland and then in the Finals weekend at the end of the month, and the Boks take their preparation very seriously in this regard.
That’s why while Italy are missing 15 players and didn’t have a great July series, they are still a key focus for the Boks. The Rugby World Cup looms large and every step is taken to ensure the Boks are closer to defending their title. This match is a massive part of that.
And then there is the tough test series last year - including the maul try at Loftus Versfeld that Italy scored from 20 metres out. That still rings tough for this Bok side as they look to be more consistent in their dominance of the opposition.
The tournament nature hasn’t been lost on the players, as fullback Damian Willemse reminded all that would listen on Wednesday.
“Yes, obviously it is kind of like a tournament. Because we are playing for the cup in three or four weeks' time. I think the most important week is this week. If we lose this week, I think we are out of the race to try and be in the final.
"But that is not really in our heads now. What is in our heads is obviously making sure that we follow through on the plan.
“The stuff that the coaches have put out for us. And then obviously Saturday's result in terms of playing against Italy. It is not going to be an easy game.
“They are a strong side, a very well coached side. And they will come up with good plans. We have got to stay dialed in and make sure we do not lose track or any focus on what is ahead.
“We saw last year when we played them how dangerous they are. And obviously they have got a couple of injuries. But I know that there are a couple of guys in their set-up that are key players for them.”
Willemse added that the Boks would take any tournament they are in seriously, and while the flaw of the Nations Championship is that they may win all three games but not make the final, they can’t dwell on that.
“Our approach to any tournament or any cup is always to take it seriously. And we obviously want to get the right result and make sure that we go to the end.
“I think with our team that has been selected, it is the right team and personnel in terms of what Italy is going to bring towards us for the weekend after doing some analysis on them. I think everyone is feeling confident and there are not a lot of changes that have come into the team.
"We are just looking forward to get into the field on Saturday and make sure that we get into a great start and pick up where we left off in the RGR (Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry).
Bonus points are a factor but that is not the first priority for the side.
“Yes, I think that is obviously a key factor. Going into this weekend's game, but I don't think it is something that we are chasing at the moment. I know that we are level points with New Zealand.
“I think if we are in the position to go for a bonus point, we will obviously look to do that. But I think the main thing for us is just to perform very well and then win the game, which is what we want to do.”
The Boks set themselves high standards and that will be the focus. Bonus points are a bonus, but if they can put more pressure on New Zealand they will do so.