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Four Fresh Faces: Erasmus Brings Uncapped Energy to Springboks for Barbarians Clash
Four Uncapped Boks, Big Returns and Barbarians: Rassie Mixes Grit with Growth in Cape Town
Cape Town will host a unique slice of rugby history this weekend as the Springboks take on the Barbarians for the very first time on South African soil. But what has tongues wagging even more than the occasion itself is Rassie Erasmus’s team sheet — featuring four uncapped players and the long-awaited return of seasoned lock Lood de Jager.
A Chance to Shine for New Blood
Rugby fans have come to expect bold decisions from Erasmus, and this latest squad announcement doesn’t disappoint. Front rower Asenathi Ntlabakanye and dynamic flanker Vincent Tshituka will get their first start in green and gold, while Marnus van der Merwe and Neethling Fouche are named on a bench stacked with Rugby World Cup winners.
All four have earned praise for their domestic and international club performances, and Erasmus isn’t throwing them into the deep end lightly.
“These guys have really stepped up in training,” said Erasmus. “They understand what’s expected of them, and now they’ve got a chance to prove themselves against some big names in the Barbarians team.”
For Tshituka in particular, it’s a long time coming. The Sharks loose forward has been on Springbok radars for a while, and now gets his shot in a Bok jersey in front of a home crowd.
The Return of Lood de Jager
Adding serious muscle to the engine room is Lood de Jager, who hasn’t played for the Boks since a 2023 clash against the All Blacks in New Zealand. Injuries have kept him out of action, but Erasmus confirmed the towering lock is back in full form.
“Lood slotted right in with the same work rate and energy we’ve always seen from him,” said Erasmus. “To have someone of his calibre back is massive for us.”
He’ll partner Jean Kleyn in the second row, forming part of a pack that includes Siya Kolisi, Jean-Luc du Preez, and debutant Tshituka in a loose trio that promises physicality and flair.
A Mix of Experience and Experimentation
While much of the backline feels familiar — with Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse forming a quick and crafty back three — there are some intriguing combinations elsewhere. Young flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu continues to grow into the role, with Morne van den Berg getting another chance at scrumhalf. Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel reunite in the midfield, adding defensive steel and attacking punch.
The bench is balanced with firepower and fresh legs, with game-changers like Manie Libbok and Cobus Reinach ready to ignite proceedings if needed.
Why the Barbarians Still Matter
Technically, Saturday’s match isn’t a Test — meaning no caps will be awarded — but you wouldn’t guess that from how seriously the Springboks are treating it. The Barbarians, made up of international stars from various nations, are known for unpredictable, free-flowing rugby. Erasmus has played and coached against them before, and he knows better than most that there’s no such thing as a friendly against the Baabaas.
“They might not have trained together much, but they’ve got experience and flair,” Erasmus said. “We have to be sharp, especially with the new guys in the mix.”
The match is also critical preparation for the Boks’ incoming series against Italy and Georgia in July. Several players, including Pieter-Steph du Toit and others who recently joined the squad after club commitments, will feature later in the month — but for now, Erasmus is backing the players who’ve been in training over the last fortnight in Joburg and Cape Town.
A Growing Rivalry and Historic Moment
While the Springboks and Barbarians have clashed eight times before, this will be the first time they meet in South Africa. Their most recent encounter in 2016 ended in a thrilling 31-31 draw at Wembley, and the Boks will be eager to improve on an overall record of just three wins in the fixture.
More than just a warm-up, this match marks a special occasion for fans in Cape Town — and an even bigger moment for four players dreaming of pulling on the jersey and making it count.
Kick Off Time: 17:10
Source:SA Rugby
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