Next-Gen Meets Test-Hardened: Erasmus and Stick Name New-Look Squads for Double-Header
- Karen Scheepers
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
South African rugby enters an intriguing developmental phase this weekend as national head coach Rassie Erasmus and South Africa 'A' coach Mzwandile Stick unveiled two heavily modified matchday squads. The double-header scheduled for Saturday, 20 June at Gqeberha’s Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium serves as a strategic testing ground, blending iconic double-World Cup winners with a surging wave of under-20 prospects.
The afternoon's action kicks off at 12h00 with the SA 'A' side hosting a newly qualified 2027 World Cup contender, Zimbabwe. Immediately following at 15h00, the senior Springboks return to the pitch for a highly anticipated clash against an unpredictable, star-studded Barbarians outfit. Both fixtures are set to broadcast live on SuperSport as national selectors begin mapping out squad depth ahead of the Nations Championship.
Springboks Blend Muscle with Youth to Face the Barbarians
Erasmus has named a starting fifteen featuring 18 capped internationals, balanced by experimental combinations forced by a mixture of injury management and player rotation. While the backline boasts immense top-tier experience, featuring a devastating back-three of Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, and Edwill van der Merwe, the tactical talking point sits at flyhalf, where Quan Horn steps up to steer the game at No 10 alongside scrumhalf Grant Williams.
The physical tone will be set in the engine room and front row, where two standout names earn major opportunities. Uncapped tighthead prop Carlu Sadie steps into the starting jersey alongside Ox Nche and hooker Andre-Hugo Venter. Meanwhile, former Junior Springbok captain Riley Norton makes his senior international debut at lock, partnering the tireless Franco Mostert. Heavy hitters Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Jasper Wiese complete a formidable loose-trio.
On the bench, Erasmus opted for a traditional 6-2 split. Uncapped reinforcements JJ Kotze, Paul de Villiers, and under-20 flyhalf Vusi Moyo await their chance to make an impact, while veteran scrumhalf Faf de Klerk provides elite cover late in the game.
Tshituka to Captain High-Octane SA 'A' Selection
In the curtain-raiser, Mzwandile Stick handed the captaincy to powerful lock Vincent Tshituka, who leads an incredibly dynamic SA 'A' team against a settled Zimbabwe team. Stick's side contains a deliberate spine of veteran leadership to steady the ship, including World Cup-winning center Lukhanyo Am, prop Neethling Fouche, and robust number eight Phepsi Buthelezi.
The squad showcases the immense pipeline talent currently flooding South African rugby. An electric, untested back-three consisting of Luan Giliomee, Jaco Williams, and Zekhethelo Siyaya will look to exploit open space, served by the fresh halfback pairing of Yaqeen Ahmed and Haashim Pead. Up front, Emmanuel Tshituka joins his brother Vincent in the pack, lining up next to under-20 hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele.
A loaded replacements bench features physical enforcement from Adre Smith and Siba Mahashe, while the exciting Jurenzo Julius provides specialized cover for the midfield.
Final Whistle
Saturday represents a critical logistical and tactical dress rehearsal for the South African national setup. Facing a Barbarians side famous for expansive, unstructured attack and a highly motivated Zimbabwe squad eager to test their mettle ahead of the 2027 World Cup, both South African teams face distinct challenges. With the squad wrapping up their preparation block in Johannesburg before flying to the Eastern Cape, the focus shifts entirely to how quickly these brand-new combinations can gel under international pressure.
All image Credits: Springboks
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