As the Boks gear up for a historic clash against the Barbarians in Cape Town, Rassie Erasmus is encouraged by training intensity and squad cohesion, especially with returning stars from the URC and Premiership finals.
The clash marks the start of a packed Incoming Mid-Year Series featuring Italy and Georgia, and Erasmus sees this Barbarians match as a key springboard.
PLAYERS ARRIVE TO BOOST SQUAD
With just 10 days until the Springboks open their 2025 season against the Barbarians in Cape Town, Erasmus is steering his squad into peak condition. Erasmus confirmed that preparations are “well on track” ahead of the Qatar Airways Cup showdown on 28 June, with a nearly full-strength squad reuniting in Johannesburg after a demanding club season.
The arrival of the Bulls players, Leinster’s RG Snyman, and Leicester’s Handré Pollard following URC and Premiership final duties has brought the group closer to full complement. Erasmus emphasised the value of alignment camps held earlier in the year, ensuring players are already “on the same page” before full match preparations begin.
He also addressed the injury cover call-up of prop Boan Venter, praising his consistency at Edinburgh and his strong roots in South African rugby. “Boan comes through the Cheetahs and junior ranks; we’re confident in what he’ll bring, especially at set-piece time,” Erasmus said.
ERASMUS WARY OF BARBARIANS’ QUALITY, BUT…
Looking ahead, Erasmus acknowledged the challenge posed by the Barbarians’ flair-filled squad and reiterated the Springboks’ intent to use the match to fine-tune their structure and cohesion before Tests against Italy and Georgia.
“They’re a team that plays what they see, but our focus will be on our systems. It’s the start of a very exciting campaign for us.”
This match – the first-ever meeting between the Springboks and the Barbarians on South African soil – will be followed by back-to-back Tests against Italy – first at Loftus in Pretoria on 5 July, and then at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on 12 July. The mid-year match schedule series will then conclude with a clash against Georgia in Nelspruit on 19 July, a side known for their physicality and scrummaging power.
WHAT BOK TEAM WOULD YOU SELECT FOR BATTLE AGAINST DEANS’ MEN?
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