The Springboks begin their 2026 campaign against the Barbarians on Saturday, with Rassie Erasmus selecting a blend of experience and uncapped talent for the Gqeberha fixture. Though no ranking points are at stake, the head coach has dismissed any notion of a gentle run-out.
"Although it's a fun week, it's the Barbarian spirit and they will do all those great traditions this week," Erasmus said. "However, when you go onto the field, it's intense and every Barbarians team is like that. It's going to be open, running rugby and flamboyant."
Erasmus, who coached the Barbarians against Argentina in 2018, warned that the invitational side's limited preparation time would not diminish their competitiveness. "They have great coaches. Scott Robertson and Felipe Contepomi are great coaches. So I think they want to win on Saturday. Those players are highly competitive and will take it personally. One wrong move and your reputation is on the line, so we are in for a big one."
The Springboks fielded 18 capped internationals in their matchday squad, with Riley Norton and Carlu Sadie the only uncapped players in the starting XV. Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel and Ox Nche retained their places from last year's corresponding fixture in Cape Town, where the Boks prevailed 54-7 in wet conditions. Andre Esterhuizen and Franco Mostert have been promoted from the bench to the run-on side.
The match serves as preparation for South Africa's Nations Championship fixtures against England, Scotland and Wales, with Erasmus using the opportunity to assess new combinations ahead of the competitive campaign.