Erasmus uses Saturday's non-cap match to run the rule over some genuine selection experiments — most notably Quan Horn at flyhalf, a role that could unlock new tactical options if he convinces. Riley Norton and Carlu Sadie get their senior auditions up front, while JJ Kotze, Paul de Villiers, and SA U20 flyhalf Vusi Moyo come off the bench as uncapped wildcards. The Barbarians, coached by Scott Robertson and Felipe Contepomi, are far from a ceremonial opponent — Erasmus himself warns they'll be intensely competitive despite the festival format. Duhan van der Merwe and TJ Perenara lead the Bab's attacking threats, with van der Merwe's homecoming adding a subplot given his South African roots and his schoolboy connection with Warrick Gelant. Rugby365 tips the Boks to win by 15, but the more interesting story is what the selection combinations tell us about Erasmus's thinking heading into a big Test year.
Quan Horn at 10, five uncapped players, and a Barbarians side built to cause problems
Erasmus uses the Barbarians match to trial Horn at 10, blood five uncapped players, and stress-test new combinations — while Robertson's Barbarians arrive with enough firepower to make it a genuine contest.
- Rassie Erasmus
- Springboks
- Quan Horn
- Junior Boks
Esterhuizen and Giliomee eager as Boks and SA 'A' prepare for Gqeberha double-header
The Springboks face the Barbarians and SA 'A' take on Zimbabwe in a double-header at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, with Andre Esterhuizen backing Quan Horn's shift to flyhalf and teenager Luan Giliomee set for his third green-and-gold environment of the year.
Erasmus credits SA Rugby pipeline after Boks rout Barbarians 80-31
Erasmus praised the composure and maturity of five uncapped players after the Springboks beat the Barbarians 80-31 in Gqeberha, crediting SA Rugby's pipeline for the depth available, while playing down franchise form as a selection concern following the Bulls' heavy URC Final loss to Leinster.
Horn at 10, fresh faces, and a Barbarians side built to embarrass — what to expect in Gqeberha
Horn's shift to flyhalf headlines the Bok selection, with Norton and Sadie also in the spotlight. The Barbarians — coached by Robertson and Contepomi — carry real attacking threat, and Erasmus is treating it as a serious contest. Rugby365 tips the Boks by 15.
So how deep is the Springbok squad?
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Contepomi: Boks have cracked the balance — and that's what makes them dangerous
Contepomi argues the Boks' real danger lies in their evolving balance between forward dominance and expansive attack — and flags sustained possession as the best way to exploit their defence.