Planet Rugby's player ratings from the Barbarians' 33-31 loss to Wales at Twickenham make for interesting Bok-related reading. Faf de Klerk, captaining the invitational side, earned an 8 despite visibly running on fumes from the 25-minute mark — his quick-tap work and fringe threat generating the Baa-Baas' best moments throughout. Vincent Koch also impressed, fronting up in the scrum after the Boks had dismantled that same pack a week earlier. The broader picture is one of individual brilliance undermined by collective errors — a held-up try for Nathan Hughes and a Jeremy Ward mistake at a quick-tap both proving costly turning points. George North's two-try cameo off the bench gave the occasion its defining narrative, but for Springbok supporters the takeaway is Faf's typically relentless display and a READ MORE link to Rassie's latest comments on fringe Bok veterans ahead of the World Cup.
Faf stars as Baa-Baas fall short — and North signs off in storybook fashion
Faf de Klerk captained the Barbarians to a narrow 33-31 loss to Wales, earning top marks despite looking spent after 25 minutes — his quick-tap instincts and fringe running the highlight of the Baa-Baas' attack. Vincent Koch also stood out in the scrum. The piece doubles as a lead-in to Rassie's comments on snubbed Springbok veterans.
- Wales
- Springboks
- Faf de Klerk
- Vincent Koch
- Rassie Erasmus
- Rugby World Cup
De Klerk explains South Africa return as scrumhalf crisis hands him Bok recall
Faf de Klerk has explained his decision to return to South Africa with the Cheetahs, saying family and a desire to rebuild Free State rugby drove the move, with his Springbok recall coming on the back of injuries to Reinach, Hendrikse and Van den Berg.
De Klerk and Koch join Barbarians for Wales clash after Nations Championship snub
Faf de Klerk and Vincent Koch, both left out of the Springbok Nations Championship squad, have joined the Barbarians for their match against Wales at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
So how deep is the Springbok squad?
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Rassie on Alles Ep 1 | The Barbarians in the Bay
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Brown confirms post-2027 All Blacks move but eyes World Cup glory with Boks first
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