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Ruan bats for old mate Salmaan

Lock Ruan Nortjé says he's looking forward to going into battle with Salmaan Moerat in Saturday's Nations Championship Test against Italy in Turin.

By Morne Esben · SA Rugby Magazine

Published: Thursday, 5 November 2026 at 4:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Ruan Nortjé praised lock partner Salmaan Moerat ahead of their Nations Championship Test against Italy in Turin.
Nortjé and Moerat renew a second-row partnership that dates back to their 2017 Junior Springboks campaign.
Nortjé commended Moerat for overcoming multiple injury setbacks to regain his place in the Springbok squad.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Lock Ruan Nortjé expressed his excitement about reuniting with second-row partner Salmaan Moerat for the Springboks' upcoming Nations Championship Test against Italy in Turin. The pair previously played together for the Junior Springboks in 2017. Nortjé praised Moerat's determination after fighting back from multiple injury setbacks to earn his place in the national squad again.

Ahead of Saturday's match, Nortjé stated that the Springboks will not underestimate Italy despite the European side dealing with their own injury issues. He emphasized that South Africa must match Italy's intensity and stick to their game structures.

Read the full article on SA Rugby Magazine

Ruan bats for old mate Salmaan

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