SA 'A' revived for Zimbabwe clash ahead of Springbok-Barbarians opener
The SA 'A' team will return to the field for the first time since the 2022 Outgoing Tour — when they faced Munster and Bristol Bears — lining up against the Zimbabwe Sables as curtain-raiser to the Springboks' match against the Barbarians at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on 20 June. The SA 'A' kick-off is set for 12h00, with the main match following at 15h00.
For Zimbabwe, the fixture carries particular significance: the Sables qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia — their first appearance at the tournament since 1991 — and Pieter Benade's side will use the clash to benchmark themselves ahead of that campaign.
Erasmus, who will be casting his net wider than the established rotation group, pointed to the platform the SA 'A' setup has historically provided. Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ruan Nortje, Grant Williams, Aphelele Fassi, and Elrigh Louw all came through the SA 'A' system before becoming fixtures in the Springbok squad.
"There are others who have performed really well outside of that group, who we would like to see in action," Erasmus said. "We'll be able to cast our net wider as we prepare for that encounter."
Benade welcomed the test: "Experiences like this are invaluable, as they expose our players to the highest level of competition, accelerate their growth, and play a key role in the continued development of our squad."
Erasmus hosts a second alignment camp in May before naming his squad for an official training camp in June. The SA 'A' head coach will be announced separately in due course.