Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus described the performance of Emirates Lions prop Asanele Ntlabakanye as “solid” in the Boks’ Qatar Airways Cup victory against the Barbarians.
Springbok lock Jean Kleyn has been ruled out of the squad travelling to Johannesburg for the opening match of the Castle Lager Incoming Series after sustaining an injury during the team’s 54-7 victory against the Barbarians on Saturday.
The Springboks planning for the opening four matches of the international season made a satisfactory start, said Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus after the victory over the Barbarians at a rain-swept DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday.
In their first Test match of 2025, the Springboks, sporting their new jersey, delivered a commanding performance to defeat the Barbarians 54-7 at DHL Stadium on a rainy and cold Saturday.
Springbok centre Jesse Kriel, who will captain South Africa for the first time on Saturday in the Qatar Airways Cup against the Barbarians, was thrilled about being bestowed that honour and said he cannot wait to lead the team onto the field.
Springbok loose forward Jean-Luc du Preez and fullback Aphelele Fassi were visibly excited about facing the Barbarians in the Qatar Airways Cup in Cape Town on Saturday after the team wrapped up their main training block of the week in soaking wet and cold conditions in the Mother City.
Jesse Kriel will lead the Springboks against the Barbarians in the Qatar Airways Cup at the DHL Stadium on Saturday after coach Rassie Erasmus was forced to make a late change to his team on Friday, following the withdrawal of Siya Kolisi due to a niggle.
Ireland rugby legend Peter O’Mahony will captain the Barbarians in his final rugby outing when the famous invitational side take on the Springboks on Saturday.
Eighteen players with Test experience from across the world touched down in Cape Town at the start of the week, reporting for duty for the Barbarians ahead of Saturday’s Qatar Airways Cup clash against the Springboks at DHL Stadium.