Teams Announced for Gqeberha Double-Header

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and SA ‘A’ coach Mzwandile Stick named their teams for the opening matches of the season against the Barbarians and Zimbabwe, scheduled for Saturday in Gqeberha. The SA ‘A’ team is set to face Zimbabwe at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium at 12:00 on Saturday, followed by the Springboks taking on the Barbarians at 15:00. Both matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

The matchday squads consist of a combination of capped internationals and emerging players eager to make an impact this season. Several Junior Springbok players, who will compete in the Junior World Championship in Georgia, are also making their first appearance in senior international rugby. The Springbok team boasts 18 capped internationals, with only lock Riley Norton and prop Carlu Sadie yet to earn test caps in the starting lineup. Among the replacements, JJ Kotze, Paul de Villiers, and Vusi Moyo are uncapped.

The backline includes notable international players, with Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, and Edwill van der Merwe as the back-three. Andre Esterhuizen and Jesse Kriel form a robust midfield, and Quan Horn partners with Grant Williams as halfbacks. The front row will comprise Ox Nche, Sadie, and Andre-Hugo Venter, while Franco Mostert and Norton will anchor the locks, supported by the seasoned loose trio of Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Jasper Wiese.

Erasmus expressed satisfaction with the selected team, which showcases a blend of experience and youth. Injuries necessitated adjustments in player combinations. He stated, "We aimed to give game time to players returning from injuries and those based overseas, while simultaneously introducing younger talents to top-level international rugby. This squad effectively reflects those goals."

He acknowledged the challenge that the Barbarians pose, saying, "They have a combination of seasoned players and will come out attacking. It will serve as a good test for us, especially with the upcoming match against England in a little over two weeks."

Coach Stick, naming a promising SA ‘A’ side, emphasized the value of having experienced players like Lukhanyo Am, Boan Venter, and Phepsi Buthelezi support a talented group of youngsters, including Luan Giliomee and Jaco Williams. Stick is also keen on the exposure that playing against Zimbabwe, who qualified for the 2027 World Cup, will provide for his players. "This match will offer valuable senior international experience and testing for both teams, and I believe they have the capability to play exciting rugby, aiding in evaluating our depth for the current season and preparing for next year’s Rugby World Cup."

As preparations continue, the teams are concluding their main training sessions in Johannesburg on Wednesday before traveling to Gqeberha later that afternoon.