Nienaber under no illusions about Italy challenge

South Africa are "determined to get onto the right side of the scoreboard" after two defeats in the Autumn Nations Series but head coach Jacques Nienaber says it will be tough against a confident Italy on Saturday.

The 50-year-old on Tuesday made four changes in personnel and two positional switches to his starting line-up from the one that lost 30-26 to Six Nations champions France last Saturday.

The world champions -- who lost 19-16 to Ireland in their opener -- will face an Italy side with its tails up after recording their first ever victory over Australia last Saturday.

"Italy's victory against Australia will boost their confidence immensely going into this match," said Nienaber.

"They defeated Wales away in the Six Nations and tested Scotland as well, so we are under no illusions as to the challenge that lies ahead.

"Italy have shown before what a force they can be at home by defeating the Boks 20-18 in Florence (November 2016), and they will draw confidence from that as well."

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 

Nienaber has brought in Andre Esterhuizen to partner Damian de Allende in the centres -- veteran Jesse Kriel dropping out altogether -- whilst No8 Jasper Wiese returns having had to miss the France game due to concussion.

Franco Mostert has been switched from lock to the backrow as Pieter-Steph du Toit faces a disciplinary hearing