Springboks Name Uncapped Talent for Barbarians Clash in Cape Town

by Lwandiso Simanga

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named a strong squad featuring four uncapped players for Saturday’s clash against the Barbarians in Cape Town, marking the start of their 2024 international season.

Asenathi Ntlabakanye (prop) and Vincent Tshituka (flanker) will make their debuts in the starting XV, while Marnus van der Merwe (hooker) and Neethling Fouche (prop) join the bench. The match, although not an official Test, will serve as valuable preparation for the upcoming Castle Lager Incoming Series.

Erasmus has blended youth with experience, with familiar faces like Siya Kolisi (captain), Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende, and Jesse Kriel forming the core of the squad. Lock Lood de Jager returns for his first match since 2023 after overcoming injuries.

image: Springbok page (X/Twitter)

Players involved in the recent Vodacom URC and Gallagher Premiership finals joined the squad late, which limited their inclusion. Only Jan-Hendrik Wessels from the Bulls is named among the replacements.

The Springboks began their on-field preparations this week after training in Johannesburg. Pieter-Steph du Toit has also rejoined the group post-injury, expanding the squad to 46.

Erasmus emphasized the importance of the match in integrating Japanese-based and returning players while testing newcomers. “We’re excited to see how the new players perform against a quality Barbarians side,” he said. “This may not be a Test, but we are treating it like one.”

The match kicks off at 17:10 on Saturday and will be broadcast live on SuperSport. It will be followed by Tests against Italy and Georgia in July. The Springboks have a mixed record against the Barbarians, with three wins from eight encounters.