Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has selected a well balanced 23-man squad to take on the Barbarians on Saturday.
The Springboks are scheduled to get their international season underway against the Barbarians at the Cape Town Stadium.
Barbarians first of 14 Tests
This will be their first of a busy international window, which will see the Springboks play 14 Tests overall. The Barbarians coming to town represents a unique challenge for Erasmus and his coaching staff. Coming just ahead of their inbound series against the Italians and once of Test against Georgia, they’re a selection poser. There were many rumours circulating of a completely younger and fresher team being given a chance in a once-off game as a free hit.
Erasmus names Four Springbok debutants
But if there’s one thing Erasmus has proven since being the Springbok structures, is that there are no free caps. That is why the match day 23 selected for the Barbarians features only four debutants. Tight head prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye makes his bow in the green and gold after two outstanding seasons in the United Rugby Championship for the Lions. His former Lions teammate and now Sharks star, Vincent Tshituka will also make his debut from the start.
The loose forward will wear the heavy Springbok jersey number 7, vacated by the injured Pieter-Steph du Toit. He gets his just rewards for his fine form at the Sharks. Two other players will be hoping to make their debuts from the bench. These being front rowers, Marnus van der Merwe and Neethling Fouche. Van der Marwe is a former Cheetahs hooker who now plays for the Ospreys in Wales. Fouche is a tighthead prop who has been consistent for the Stormers in the URC
Full 23
Here is the full 23 below:
Happy with the team? who’s missing?
Springbok supporters, are you happy with this team? What do you make of the four debutants? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
