Four Fresh Faces! Springboks Unveil Surprise Debutants for Barbarians Clash

Image source

Rassie Erasmus has revealed the Springboks’ first lineup of the year—and it includes four new faces ready to wear the green and gold for the very first time.

On Saturday, 28 July 2025, the Boks will take on the Barbarians in a blockbuster clash, with debut caps set for Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Vincent Tshituka (Sharks), Neethling Fouche (Stormers), and Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets).

Fresh Blood in the Bok Pack

Towering at 150kg, Asenathi Ntlabakanye will be anchoring the scrum alongside Ox Nche and Malcolm Marx. Known for his sheer power, the Lions prop is expected to make a statement with his trademark carries and crunching tackles.

Meanwhile, Vincent Tshituka, the energetic loose forward from the Sharks, earns his long-awaited debut ahead of his brother Emmanuel. He’ll start alongside Bok skipper Siya Kolisi and Jean-Luc du Preez in a dynamic back-row trio.

Surprise call-up Marnus van der Merwe joins the famous “Bomb Squad” after impressing with Scarlets, while Stormers stalwart Neethling Fouche will finally get his chance to shine after years of knocking on the national door.

Full Springboks Lineup vs Barbarians

Backline:

• 15. Aphelele Fassi
  14. Cheslin Kolbe
  13. Jesse Kriel
  12. Damian de Allende
  11. Kurt-Lee Arendse
  10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
  9. Morne van den Berg

Forwards:

• 8. Jean-Luc du Preez
  7. Vincent Tshituka (Debut)
  6. Siya Kolisi (Captain)
  5. Lood de Jager
  4. Jean Kleyn
  3. Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Debut)
  2. Malcolm Marx
  1. Ox Nche

Replacements:

• 16. Marnus van der Merwe (Debut)
  17. Jan-Hendrik Wessels
  18. Neethling Fouche (Debut)
  19. Franco Mostert
  20. Kwagga Smith
  21. Cobus Reinach
  22. Manie Libbok
  23. Andre Esterhuizen