The Springboks’ 2025 season has finally arrived, with the world champions set to open their account with what should be an entertaining ‘warm-up’ game against the Barbarians in Cape Town on Saturday.
Kick off is at 17:10.
When it comes to team news, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was forced to make a late change following the withdrawal of Siya Kolisi due to a niggle. His place at openside flank will be taken by Marco van Staden, while Jesse Kriel will captain the side.
HERE IS HOW THE SPRINGBOKS AND BARBARIANS WILL LINE UP:
Springboks – revised: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel (captain), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morné van den Berg, 8 Jean-Luc du Preez, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen.
Barbarians: 15 Melvyn Jaminet, 14 Mark Telea, 13 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 12 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 11 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkins, 10 Josh Jacomb, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Shannon Frizell, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Peter O’Mahony (captain), 5 David Ribbans, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Paul Alo-Emile, 2 Camille Chat, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 Ricky Riccitelli, 17 Hassane Kolingar, 18 Will Collier, 19 Josh Beehre, 20 Hoskins Sotutu, 21 Santiago Arata, 22 Joe Marchant, 23 Lachlan Boshier.
Date: Saturday, June 28
Venue: Cape Town Stadium
Kick-off: 17.10 (15.10 GMT)
Referee: AJ Jacobs
Assistant referees: Christopher Allison and Stephan Geldenhuys
TMO: Egon Seconds
WHAT WEATHER TO EXPECT?
As it stands, according to the ever-reliable WindGuru weather forecaster, there is heavy cloud cover and strong winds predicted throughout the day on Saturday, while temperatures are not expected to peak much beyond 14°C.
There is also expected to be light, but persistent, rain for most of the day, and so spectators heading to the stadium would do well to prepare accordingly.
What is your score prediction?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
