The Springboks launched their 2026 international season with an 80-31 hammering of the Barbarians at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday, crossing for 12 tries to the Baa-Baas' five.
Edwill van der Merwe was the standout performer, claiming a hat-trick with three line breaks and clinical finishing that underlined his pace and aerial ability. Cheslin Kolbe earned an 8.5 rating in a typically multifaceted display — kicking 10 conversions, briefly covering at scrumhalf during Grant Williams' sin-bin spell, and scoring from a loose ball off a scrum. His only blemish was being bumped off by Barbarians No.8 Miracle Fai'ilagi, which led to one of the visitors' tries.
Williams himself rated 7.5 before his yellow card for a deliberate knock-down proved costly — the Barbarians scored three tries during his absence and clawed their way back into the contest temporarily.
Andre Esterhuizen was effective through the middle, finishing with 10 carries and a try despite a couple of missed tackles, while Jesse Kriel had a quietly solid outing, capping it with a late score.
Quan Horn's selection at flyhalf was the major talking point going into the match. The Lions back, better known as a fullback, was steady without being spectacular — a missed tackle contributed to the Barbarians' first try, but a sharp sidestep in the first half created Riley Norton's try and demonstrated why his selection generated interest.
Aphelele Fassi, returning from the shoulder injury he sustained in February during the Sharks' URC clash against the Lions, showed expected rustiness but was a threat from deep and made two crucial cover tackles. A yellow card for a high tackle on TJ Perenara and a late handling error under the high ball were the blemishes on an otherwise encouraging comeback.
The Barbarians showed flashes of their customary attacking flair, but the Springboks' power and conditioning proved decisive as the match wore on.