Italy make five changes for second test against Springboks

Sign up now: Get STs newsletters delivered to your inbox

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Six Nations Championship - France v Italy - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - February 6, 2022 Italys Marco Zanon in action REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo

Fullback Mirko Belloni will make a first start for Italy as one of five changes to their side for the second test against South Africa in Gqeberha on Saturday, but number eight Lorenzo Cannone has been ruled out with a back injury.

The inexperienced Italy side lost the first test in Pretoria 42-24, but put in an excellent second half showing against the world champions having trailed 28-3 at the break and were in contention going into the final 10 minutes.

Belloni forms a back three with wings Jacopo Trulla and Louis Lynagh, while Marco Zanon and Tommaso Menoncello are the centre-pairing. Giacomo Da Re keeps his place at flyhalf, alongside number 9 Alessandro Garbisi.

Hooker Tommaso Di Bartolomeo packs down in the front row with props Danilo Fischetti and Simone Ferrari either side of him, while captain Niccolo Cannone and Andrea Zambonin are the lock pairing.

South African born Ross Vintcent moves from the flank to the number eight jersey in the place of Cannone, with Sebastian Negri and Manuel Zuliani the other two loose-forwards.

Zimbabwe-born Negri spent much of his childhood in South Africa too and missed the first test due to injury.

His return is a boost to the engine room and adds experience as the second most capped player (64 appearances) in the team behind