Boks the 'form team'

South African captain Jean de Villiers called on his team to 'pitch up mentally', but Italian coach Jacques Brunel feels the Springboks are the most in-form team of the November internationals.

De Villiers, in his final pre-match media briefing ahead of the encounter at Stadio Euganeo, spoke of "focus" as the key reason for his team's improved performances from the opening loss (15-29) to Ireland and the impressive win (31-28) over England last week.

"The main message this week is that we need to pitch up mentally," the Bok skipper said, adding that the big difference between the Ireland and England games was the mental preparation and focus.

He also said their discipline will be important against the Azzurri.

"The previous two weeks, getting yellow cards, put us in difficult situations.

"We also need to make sure we don't go chasing the game - we need to finish off the opportunities that arise."

In contrast the Italian coach, Brunel, claimed the underdog tag, saying the Azzurri defence will be tested by an "extremely efficient" South African team.

South Africa ended New Zealand's 22-game unbeaten run last month and are on the rise having made amends for a defeat to Ireland with a victory over England.

Brunel expects South Africa to be at their formidable best in Padua.

"The Springboks are without doubt the form team of this November series," Brunel said.

"They had a great campaign in June and also brought the All Blacks' long winning streak to an end in the Rugby Championship.

"They're a great squad, equipped with the tools to play an extremely efficient brand of rugby.

"We need the same tight defence we've adopted since the start of the season, and to try and impose some of our own game.

"It's the tail-end of South Africa's season, while we're only starting ours, and that could be a relevant factor. They showed their mettle after the defeat to Ireland by going to Twickenham and beating England."

@rugby365com