Rugby union news: Springboks vs Barbarians – Rassie Erasmus backs rookies for BaaBaas clash

Saturday promises a historical occasion as the Springboks and Barbarians clash for the first time on South African soil, with Cape Town’s DHL Stadium the venue.

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has announced a squad for the game that includes a few uncapped names alongside the usual blend of experienced double–World Cup winners.

Here, Sports News Blitz writer Aidan Leo takes an in-depth look at Erasmus’ selections and offers a score prediction.

Four players make Springbok debuts

Although the game is not registered as an official Test match, four uncapped players are set to debut for the Springboks against the BaaBaas.

Asenathi Ntlabakanye (prop), Vincent Tshituka (flanker), Marnus van der Merwe (hooker), and Neethling Fouché (prop) will all make their initial forays onto the Test scene come Saturday.

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Starting XV brimming with quality

The Springboks’ best-performing prop in 2024, Ox Nche, is at loosehead and partnered by the Boks’ best hooker in Malcolm Marx.

Ntlabakanye anchors the scrum at tighthead, allowing him the chance to cement his status as a viable option for Erasmus going forward, should he do well alongside two front-row staples.

Lood de Jager makes his long-awaited return to the second row after a torrid time littered with injury and health ailments.

Jean Kleyn then offers support alongside him at number four in what is an opportunity for the Munster enforcer to stake a long-term claim for Eben Etzebeth’s spot.

Sharks prospect Tshituka starts at blindside beside Sale Sharks’ top performer Jean-Luc du Preez at number eight, while iconic Springbok leader Siya Kolisi yet again dons the number six.

Tempo will be dictated by rising talents Morné van den Berg and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

The rest of the backline sees a slew of World Cup winners in Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Cheslin Kolbe, all coming over from Japan Rugby League One.

Finally, the backfield will be monitored by the Springboks’ 2024 starting full-back, Aphelele ‘The Weekend Special’ Fassi.

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Imposing bench promises second-half impact

Front-row replacements include debutants Van der Merwe and Fouché along with dynamic Bulls prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels.

Second- and back-row support is then covered by Japan-based duo Franco Mostert and Kwagga Smith, while 2023 World Cup–winning half-backs Cobus Reinach and Manie Libbok bolster the backline.

André ‘The Giant’ Esterhuizen, meanwhile, offers centre cover and will take over gainline duties in the second half.

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Erasmus excited for debutants, returnees

“They have all slotted into our systems really well and have a good understanding of what we want to do in this match, while it also presents us with a fantastic opportunity to see how they measure up against a handful of experienced players in the Barbarians team,” Erasmus told SA Rugby when asked about the four debutants.

“This may not be an official Test match, but we are approaching it as such, and a good result will hopefully set us on course for an exciting season.

“Asenathi, Vincent, Neethling, and Marnus have all been impressive at training and for their respective franchises this season, and we hope to see them replicate those quality performances in this match.”

On De Jager’s triumphant return after two seasons on the sidelines, Erasmus said: “Lood is in great form and hopped straight back into the thick of things with the intensity and work rate that we are used to seeing him deliver.

“We are thrilled to see him and players like Faf [de Klerk] and Sacha, who missed a large chunk of last season, back from injury.”

De Jager’s last performance for the Boks was in the 2023 Rugby Championship against the All Blacks.

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BaaBaas perfect preparation for season

Regarding the Barbarians game and its place in the season going forward, Erasmus was clear: “A whole lot of players in this squad have played for the BaaBaas, and I’ve also coached them before, so we have an idea of what to expect from them.

“They don’t have much time to train together as a group, but if one looks at the calibre of players they have announced so far and the history between the teams over the years, we know it’s going to take a top-class effort to get the desired result.

“That said, we are pleased with how our preparations are going, and our focus in this match will be to get our structures and systems in place for the Test matches coming up.

“So, this is a vital game for us.”

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Fixture rundown and score prediction

After the BaaBaas contest, the Springboks will gear up for two Tests against Italy (July 5 and 12) and one against Georgia (July 19).

Those match-ups will prepare the team for the Rugby Championship, which begins on August 16 and sees South Africa take on New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina.

In terms of head-to-head, the Springboks and the Barbarians have met on eight previous occasions, with the Boks triumphant in three, the BaaBaas in four, and the spoils shared in the other.

Although the invitational side has the historical upper hand, the world champions are ready to rumble – simply put, it's Bokke time now.

Score prediction: Springboks to beat the Barbarians by 40.

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Springbok squad vs Barbarians

Starting XV:

15 Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 11 caps, 35 points (7 tries)

14 Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath) – 40 caps, 111 points (18t, 3 conversions, 5 penalties)

13 Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 79 caps, 90 points (18t)

12 Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 87 caps, 55 points (11t)

11 Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls) – 24 caps, 90 points (18t)

10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers) – 8 caps, 52 points (14c, 8p)

9 Morné van den Berg (Emirates Lions) – 2 caps, 0 points

8 Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks) – 14 caps, 10 points (2t)

7 Vincent Tshituka (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – uncapped

6 Siya Kolisi (c) (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 92 caps, 60 points (12t)

5 Lood de Jager (Wild Knights) – 66 caps, 25 points (5t)

4 Jean Kleyn (Munster) – 7 caps, 0 points

3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Emirates Lions) – uncapped

2 Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 76 caps, 105 points (21t)

1 Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 39 caps, 0 points

Replacements:

16 Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets) – uncapped

17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls) – 3 caps, 5 points (1t)

18 Neethling Fouché (DHL Stormers) – uncapped

19 Franco Mostert (Honda Heat) – 78 caps, 20 points (4t)

20 Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) – 51 caps, 45 points (9t)

21 Cobus Reinach (Montpellier) – 39 caps, 70 pts (14t)

22 Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers) – 19 caps, 98 pts (1t, 30c, 11p)

23 André Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 19 caps, 0 points

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