Cape Town - The Springboks are wary of the threat posed by Italy captain and No 8 Sergio Parisse ahead of the teams’ international in Padova on Saturday.
READ: Proudfoot happy with Springbok forwards’ training intensity
The 34-year-old Parisse boasts 128 Test caps for Italy and was instrumental in their shock 20-18 win over the Springboks in Florence last year.
Springbok assistant coach Matt Proudfoot addressed media in Padua on Tuesday where he said Parisse was Italy’s danger man.
“Parisse is very intelligent. He gets under your skin. He targets your jumper,” Proudfoot was quoted as saying by SA Rugbymag.
Proudfoot added that the Italians pride themselves on their set-pieces and their ability to stop forward momentum at the breakdown.
“The work by our ball carriers during and after contact, in tandem with our cleaners, will hopefully enable us to get quick ball on Saturday,” Proudfoot said via a press statement released by SA Rugby.
“We will have to work very hard against a determined Italian pack who are playing at home.”
Springbok coach Allister Coetzee will name his side on Thursday.