A South Afrrican thrashing for sure, but by how much?

PORT ELIZABETH - Just two unanswered questions remain ahead of the test between South Africa and Italy in Port Elizabeth today.

How long will it take the Springboks to open the scoring and how many points will they win by in a city renowned for wind?

It's quite a mismatch. A South African team desperate to turn a tide of media criticism versus an Italian side short of anywhere between 15 and 27 key players, depending on which official speaks.

At the last meeting of the nations, two years ago in Durban, South Africa scored a record 101 points, and that could be surpassed given the make-up of the opposition this time.

Italy coach and former All Black prop Brad Johnstone says injuries, work commitments and personal reasons have left him with only three players who played regularly in the Six Nations championship this year.

"We are going to have a torrid time, but this squad are in a more positive frame of mind than the last one that toured South Africa," said Johnstone, who admitted his job was on the line after only two wins in 16 tests.

Sadly for him, South Africa have a lot to prove under new captain and No 8 Bobby Skinstad, whose appointment this week in place of Andre Vos stirred a media frenzy. With fair hair, an engaging smile and rugged good looks, Skinstad may be a hit with women, but 75 per cent of South African men in one survey said he should not be leading the Springboks.

Coach Harry Viljoen has also taken a hammering after a drawn two-match home series against an experimental French team.

After making five changes before the second encounter, he has made another nine for the Italian match.

Fullback Conrad Jantjes, not good enough for the Cats Super 12 team, and halfback Neil de Kock debut in a team where only the front row remain intact from a 20-15 victory over France last weekend.

Springboks: Conrad Jantjes, Breyton Paulse, Robbie Fleck, %Japie Mulder, Thinus Delport, Percy Montgomery, Neil de Kock, %Bob Skinstad (capt), Andre Venter, Andre Vos, Mark Andrews, Johan Ackermann, Willie Meyer, John Smit, Ollie le Roux.