Springboks: Is this the starting XV to take on the Barbarians?
Is this how the Rassie’s first Springboks team of 2025 will line up against the Barbarians? We have some key insight to offer.
Rassie Erasmus is set to name his first Springboks matchday 23 of the season soon.
Rassie Erasmus will be announcing his first Springboks team of the year on Tuesday at 12:00.
Reports from the Rapport claim to already know several of the starters. So, let’s take a look at how the first Bok team of the year could look.
RASSIE SET TO BALANCE YOUTH AND EXPERIENCE
As always there is plenty of hype and speculation over Rassie’s Springboks team announcement.
However, The Rapport claims to have inside information pertaining to Rassie’s first Bok team of the year.
The well-known and widely respected publication claims that 150kg prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye will make his Bok debut whilst Jean-Luc Du Preez will return to the national setup for the first time since 2023.
“Erasmus will opt to field a pack that includes a debut for 150kg tighthead prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye and a recall for 115kg utility forward Jean-Luc du Preez,” the report read on Rapport.
Furthermore, the same report claims that Vincent Tshitshuka will also make his debut.
“Du Preez will reportedly be joined in the back row by another Bok rookie in Vincent Tshituka, with skipper Siya Kolisi at openside flanker,” the insider added.
Meanwhile, Morne van den Berg is the other Bok bolter they claim will be starting.
“Erasmus is also expected to give Lions scrumhalf Morne van den Berg a start. The two-Test halfback made his debut against Portugal last season,” he added.
HOW THE SPRINGBOKS COULD LINE UP AGAINST THE BARBARIANS
- Asenathi Ntlabakanye
- Jan-Hendrik Wessels
- Wilco Louw
- Eben Etzebeth
- Franco Mostert
- Siya Kolisi (captain)
- Vincent Tshitshuka
- Jean-Luc Du Preez
- Morne van den Berg
- Sasha-Feinberg MngomeZulu
- Kurt-Lee Arendse
- Andre Esterhuizen
- Jesse Kriel
- Edwil Van Der Merwe/Ethan Hooker
- Aphephele Fassi
BOKS BACK IN ACTION
The Springboks return to action for the first time since November last year when they take on the Barbarians at the DHL Stadium on Saturday, 28 June 2025.
Kick-off is at 17:10.
This test match marks the first Springboks-Barbarians encounter on South African soil.
GIVE US YOUR IDEAL SPRINGBOKS STARTING XV FOR THE CLASH CLASH AGAINST THE BARBARIANS AT THE DHL STADIUM
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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