Siya Kolisi has made clear the Springboks will treat Saturday's match against the Barbarians at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium as a full Test match, with squad positions on the line and the international season's foundations to be laid.
"For us, it's never a festival game; we are playing a proper Test match. We are playing for South Africa, after all," Kolisi said at Friday's captains' press conference. "Guys are getting an opportunity, and it is our first game, so we want to make sure of the result. We want to implement everything we did during the off-season and in the week. We are playing for positions, so it's a Test match for us."
Kolisi acknowledged the nature of the opposition — Scott Robertson's Barbarians squad features 19 international players but has had only a week together — noting that the BaaBaas' brief preparation period shapes their approach as much as it shapes the Boks' mindset. "For us to stay disciplined in what we want to do, because the opportunity will be there. I think the match will be good for prep, but it will only be good if we do what we plan to do; play Test-match rugby and do what we need to do."
The fixture also marks a homecoming for Kolisi, who was born in Zwide and missed last year's Eastern Cape assignment through injury. "I am very excited to be here. It has been awesome being here and seeing friends and family. I don't know how many of these opportunities I am going to get going forward."
Kolisi also pointed to the competitive pressure the younger players — including members of the U20 squad — are generating within the Bok environment. "The depth is what keeps these guys hungry and growing. Nobody can be comfortable. It's been the hardest camp; the intensity has been so high, but the contributions of the youth have been amazing."
The SA 'A' side faces Zimbabwe in the curtain-raiser at the same venue.