'Agent of chaos' Andre Esterhuizen expected to light up Genoa

In Genoa

Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen, dubbed the 'Agent of Chaos' at his English club Harlequins, is expected to light up the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Saturday when he starts against Italy.

Esterhuizen, who in his stint at Harlequins, has morphed from a one-dimensional batting midfield ram into a multi-skilled back who keeps defences guessing, has had to wait his chance with Damian de Allende being the first choice 12.

De Allende has shifted to 13 to accommodate Esterhuizen, who won't be available for next week's Test against England at Twickenham.

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Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber said he expects a lot from this new midfield combination that'll see Jesse Kriel take a break.

"Jesse has done well, but some of our players won't be available for next week's game against England with the game being outside the Test window," Nienaber said.

"He's been with us for the whole year, been training well, and deserves a chance. We've always earmarked this game as the one if there weren't any injuries.

15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Damian de Allende, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche

Substitutes: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Evan Roos, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Manie Libbok

"We think the combination of Andre and Damian will be a great one, especially when you face a side like Italy.

"We're looking forward to seeing this particular combination together."

De Allende's move to 13 is just part of