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MILAN - South Africa goes into its match with Italy on Saturday aiming to snap a three-game losing streak on its northern-hemisphere tour.
The world champion has lost to Leicester Tigers, France and Saracens so far and its players have appeared jaded following a long season in which they won the Tri-Nations title and beat the British and Irish Lions.
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has made four changes to the team that lost 20-13 to France in Toulouse.
Wian du Preez replaces Tendai Mtawarira at prop, Andries Bekker takes over from Victor Matfield in the second row, Adriaan Strauss comes in for Bismarck du Plessis at hooker and Danie Rossouw takes Schalk Burger's place in the back row.
"We have lost almost two front rows and it is reassuring to know that there are players that we can call on to assist us," De Villiers said.
"They have a very good pack of forwards and they showed in their match against New Zealand that they will be very competitive at scrum time."
A week ago Nick Mallett's side pushed New Zealand hard before losing 20-6 and De Villiers expects Italy to continue its improvement this weekend.
"The more experience they gain, the better they are becoming and they are able to compete with any team on the day," De Villiers said.
Italy coach Mallett knows the Springboks well after coaching them for three years. Under his guidance South Africa set a record with 17 consecutive test wins.
Despite South Africa's current form, Mallett has no doubt his team faces a massive test.
"The have won it all," Mallett said. "They beat the Lions, they won the Tri Nations and they won their last three matches against the All Blacks.
"In the last two years they've won in New Zealand, which was something that was always difficult for South African teams."
As a former backrow forward, Mallett has been particularly impressed by the form of flanker Heinrich Brussow, who burst on to the scene during the Lions tour and kept his place since.
"He is a fantastic player," Mallett said. "During the Currie Cup final he was passing out of the rucks and mauls like a scrumhalf, but it is his work on the ground that is truly superb."
Italy second row, Quintin Geldenhuys and Carlo Del Fava keep their places in the starting lineup after Mallett made five changes to the side that lost to the All Blacks.
The pair were both born and brought up in South Africa.
"In the second row I wanted to keep the pair that played against New Zealand," Mallett said. "The game against South Africa is important for them. They are Italian and play for Italy, but they want to show South Africa that they too can play rugby."
