The Springboks are about to flip the switch from training camp to game mode, and the first real look at Rassie Erasmus’ 2026 squad is finally here. After weeks of speculation and a roster that’s grown from 51 to 54 players, the head coach and his assistant Mzwandile Stick will announce their matchday 23s on Tuesday, June 16, around 3 p.m. local time. The double-header in Gqeberha — featuring South Africa A against Zimbabwe and the main Springboks side facing the Barbarians — kicks off the season this Saturday, June 20.
This isn’t just another warm-up. The Barbarians fixture carries added weight after the invitational side’s first-ever match on South African soil last year ended in a 54–7 demolition at DHL Stadium in Cape Town. Fans will be watching closely to see if the Boks can replicate that dominance or if the Baa-Baas come better prepared this time around.
Stick Takes the Reins for SA ‘A’
Erasmus confirmed that Stick will handle head coaching duties for the South Africa A team against Zimbabwe, a match that serves as a de facto audition for uncapped players. According to SA Rugby, any uncapped player who features in that game becomes eligible for Springboks selection moving forward — a clever pipeline move that rewards performance with opportunity.
“It was great to be back in camp this week and for the coaches to work with the players first-hand on and off the field,” Erasmus said last week. “It was also good to see the enthusiasm and willingness of the players to learn from the coaches, and for both the experienced and young players to get back into the swing of things with the season around the corner.”
The head coach also credited the work of Junior Springboks coach Kevin Foote and SA Rugby’s high-performance GM Dave Wessels for developing young talent. “I have no doubt the guys have already and will continue to learn a lot in our set-up, and we believe this exposure will benefit them as they continue to grow as players,” Erasmus added.
The Roster Has Grown — and It’s Not Done
The initial 51-man squad announced earlier this month has since ballooned. Phepsi Buthelezi and Carlu Sadie brought the count to 53, while Ruben van Heerden stepped in for the injured Salmaan Moerat. That brings the total to 54 players, with the final 23 for each match still to be confirmed.
Among the forwards, veterans like Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, and Pieter-Steph du Toit anchor a pack that includes emerging names like JJ Kotze and Bathobele Hlekani. In the backs, Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende, and Faf de Klerk provide experience alongside younger talents like Jurenzo Julius and Imad Khan.
Erasmus has not publicly expressed concern about the team’s injury list, telling reporters last week, “We are not in trouble.” Still, the expanded squad suggests he’s keeping options open ahead of what promises to be a long and demanding season.
Gqeberha Double-Header: What to Watch
The action at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium starts at noon local time with South Africa A vs. Zimbabwe, followed by the main event at 3 p.m. between the Springboks and Barbarians. Both matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport in South Africa, with international audiences able to catch the action across various time zones.
For now, all eyes are on Tuesday’s team announcement. It will be the first real hint at Erasmus’ tactical priorities for 2026 — and whether the blend of youth and experience he’s been experimenting with in camp translates into a winning formula on the pitch.
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