Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has signaled that this season will be about experimentation and squad rotation, starting with the upcoming match against the Barbarians this Saturday.
Erasmus plans to mix seasoned stars with fresh faces, using the game not only as a competitive challenge but also to reintegrate players based in Japan, whose League One season wrapped up some time ago.
Among the big names expected to start are Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe, and Jesse Kriel, showing that the Springboks are treating this fixture seriously despite it being a friendly. A notable inclusion is Lions scrumhalf Morne van den Berg, who could form an exciting halfback partnership with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Possible Springbok Lineup vs. Barbarians:
- 15 Damian Willemse
- 14 Ethan Hooker
- 13 Jesse Kriel
- 12 Andre Esterhuizen
- 11 Cheslin Kolbe
- 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
- 9 Morne van den Berg
- 8 Jean-Luc du Preez
- 7 Vincent Tshituka
- 6 Kwagga Smith
- 5 Franco Mostert
- 4 Lood de Jager
- 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye
- 2 Malcolm Marx
- 1 Ox Nche
Looking ahead, Erasmus is excited about the Barbarians game — the Springboks’ first-ever fixture on home soil against the iconic invitational side.
He commented, “We’ve wanted to play them for a while. They’re known for playing with flair, which makes this a great test. But our focus will be on sticking to our structures.”
Erasmus added, “Their squad includes some world-class veterans, so this match is a perfect chance for us to shake off the rust and get back to top-level rugby.”
