Preview of South Africa v Italy

World champions South Africa will not underestimate Italy when the two sides meet in Saturday's Test in Udine.

The Azzurri lost 20-6 to New Zealand last weekend but displayed a battling performance against the All Blacks.

Springboks coach Peter de Villiers, who was an assistant to Italy coach Nick Mallett, when the latter coached the current world champions, said: 'The biggest lesson that anyone can learn from that game is the gentle way the Italians are growing in this game, they will pose a threat to the rest of the world come 2011.

'This Italian team is really good at doing certain things, especially come scrum time, mauling and lineout time.'

The Tri-Nations champions are in need of a win after last weekend's 20-13 defeat to France marked their third successive loss after setbacks against club sides Leicester and Saracens.

'After three consecutive defeats we want to prove our worth,' said Springboks winger Bryan Habana.

The Italians have never beaten the Springboks in seven previous attempts - their best result against the South Africans was a 40-21 loss in Rome 14 years ago.

Moreover, they go into the match on the back of a 12-game losing streak.

'We are physically ready,' said Italy flanker Alessandro Zanni.

'Now we have to prepare mentally for this game.

'The match against the world champions is going to be tougher than the one against New Zealand for many reasons.

'The Springboks are the number one team and they go into the game on the back of a loss to France.

'Hence, they will try to make amends, scoring as many points as possible against us to recover their confidence.'

Zanni hopes his team can show a slight improvement at the Stadio Friuli, where 37,000 Azzurri fans will be in attendance.

'We want to confirm the performance we delivered at the San Siro and improve certain aspects of our game,' he said.

'We know it will be difficult but we are calm because in recent months we have taken steps forward.

'We are able to defend for 80 minutes and we offer more play.

'I am sure that the team is ready to play a great game.'

Prop Wian du Preez will make his South Africa debut against Italy with Tendai Mtawarira and vice-captain Victor Matfield have been dropped to the bench.

Mallett has also made some changes, leaving experienced pair Mauro Bergamasco and Gonzalo Canale on the bench.