Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has warned that Scott Robertson's Barbarians side will present a genuine challenge when the two teams meet in Gqeberha on 20 June, saying he expects them to "provide us with a proper test".
Erasmus expects Robertson's Barbarians to deliver proper test in Gqeberha
Rassie Erasmus is anticipating a serious challenge from Scott Robertson's Barbarians in Gqeberha on 20 June. The Springbok coach's comments signal the match is being treated as meaningful preparation rather than a formality.
- Rassie Erasmus
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SA 'A' team returns to face Zimbabwe in Gqeberha double-header on 20 June
The SA 'A' team returns to action for the first time since 2022, facing Zimbabwe in a 12h00 curtain-raiser ahead of the Springboks' clash with the Barbarians at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 20 June. Erasmus will use the match to assess fringe Springbok candidates, while Zimbabwe — Rugby World Cup qualifiers for the first time since 1991 — see it as vital 2027 preparation. The SA 'A' coach is yet to be announced.
SA 'A' returns to action against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha double-header on 20 June
The SA 'A' team returns to action for the first time since 2022, facing Zimbabwe in a curtain-raiser to the Springboks' clash with the Barbarians in Gqeberha on 20 June. Erasmus intends to use the fixture to assess fringe squad members and wider prospects, while the Sables — back at a Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1991 — will treat it as key World Cup preparation. Kick-off times are 12h00 and 15h00 respectively at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.