Nick Mallett has named his Italy Team to face the Springboks in Witbank in the 1st of 2 Tests between the Azuri and the Springboks and has his inspirational captain, Sergio Parisse back in the team.

The Azzurri take on the Springboks for only the ninth time in their history, having never beaten the Springboks.

Parisse was previously injured and this will be his 1st Test of the year, having recovered from a serious knee injury.

Of course, Martin Castrogiovanni features in the team as well, part of the front row which gave the Springboks and New Zealand a torrid time last year during the end of year tours.

Quinton Geldenhuys, South African born lock, is selected and will win his 10th cap on Saturday whilst another South African born lock, Carlo Del Fava, misses out on selection altogether.

Italy: 15 Luke McLean, 14 Kaine Robertson, 13 Andrea Masi, 12 Matteo Pratichetti, 11 Mirco Bergamasco, 10 Craig Gower, 9 Tito Tebaldi, 8 Sergio Parisse (Captain), 7 Alessandro Zanni, 6 Simone Favaro, 5 Quintin Geldenhuys, 4 Valerio Bernabo, 3 Martin Castrogiovanni, 2 Leonardo Ghiraldini 1 Salvatore Perugini.
Replacements: 16 Fabio Ongaro, 17 Lorenzo Cittadini, 18 Marco Bortolami, 19 Paul Derbyshire, 20 Simon Picone, 21 Riccardo Bocchino, 22 Gonzalo Canale.