Faf de Klerk is back in the Springboks mix. The 34-year-old scrum-half, set to rejoin the Cheetahs next season, has been named on the bench for Saturday’s showdown with the Barbarians. It’s his first appearance in a South Africa shirt since the win over Georgia in 2025, and his inclusion signals Rassie Erasmus is serious about blending experience with fresh legs.
But the big story isn’t just de Klerk’s return. Erasmus has named five uncapped players in his 23-man squad, with two—Junior Boks captain Riley Norton and prop Carlu Sadie—getting starting roles. The other three, hooker JJ Kotze, loose forward Paul de Villiers, and wing Vusi Moyo, will wait for their chance from the bench.
This isn’t a warm-up game against a low-tier opponent. The Barbarians always bring a mix of flair and international talent, and Erasmus knows this will be a genuine test. “They’ll come out guns blazing and try to produce an entertaining style of rugby,” he said. “That will serve as a good test for us.”
Despite missing all Bulls players due to club commitments, Erasmus has gone nearly full-strength. Fullback Aphelele Fassi, wings Cheslin Kolbe and Edwill van der Merwe, and a center pairing of Jesse Kriel and Andre Esterhuizen form a backline that could start a World Cup knockout. In the pack, Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and captain Siya Kolisi make up a back-row that few sides would relish facing. Franco Mostert pairs with Norton in the second row, while Sadie, Andre-Hugo Venter, and Ox Nche anchor the front row.
Why the New Faces Matter
Erasmus has been clear about his plan. “We said from the outset that we wanted to give a few players returning from injury and others who have been playing overseas game time in this match,” he said. “At the same time, we want to expose some younger players on our radar to top-class international rugby.”
The 6:2 bench split tells you everything about the approach—bring on impact, test depth, and see who can handle the pressure. De Klerz, Kotze, de Villiers, and Moyo join Ntuthuko Mchunu, Zachary Porthen, Ben-Jason Dixon, and Evan Roos as the reserve options.
For Norton, a group-stage step-up after captaining the Junior Boks, this is a massive opportunity. Sadie gets his first senior start in front of a crowd that expects immediate production. Fans online noted the boldness of giving so many new caps the green light in a match that actually carries momentum for the year ahead.
What’s at Stake
Beyond Saturday, the Springboks are building toward the Nations Championship and the “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” series with the British & Irish Lions. This game is less about the result and more about data. Can a young lock hold his own against experienced Barbarian runners? Can a new front-row handle the set-piece pressure?
Erasmus isn’t taking the opposition lightly. “They have a group of exciting and experienced players, and a quality coaching team,” he said. “They’ll challenge us, but this will be a good hit-out for our players to get back into top-level international rugby.”
If the new faces deliver, South Africa heads into the England clash in two weeks with options. If they struggle, Erasmus still has the core to lean on. Either way, this match offers a rare look at the Springboks’ future and present colliding on the same pitch.
Springboks Starting XV vs. Barbarians
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Quan Horn, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Riley Norton, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Andre-Hugo Venter, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Paul de Villiers, 21 Evan Roos, 22 Faf de Klerk, 23 Vusi Moyo
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