Rugby World Cup Winners Lead South Africa ‘A’ Against 2027 Hosts Zimbabwe

South Africa will field five capped Springboks—including two-time Rugby World Cup champion Lukhanyo Am—when their ‘A’ side takes on Zimbabwe’s Sables in Gqeberha on Saturday. But the real story may be what this match signals for both countries as they build toward the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

The encounter, set for Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, doubles as a curtain-raiser for the main Springboks-Barbarians clash later that day. South Africa ‘A’ boss Mzwandile Stick—who will also serve as assistant coach for the senior side—has assembled a lineup that blends proven international talent with raw prospects eager to prove themselves on a bigger stage.

Captain Vincent Tshituka of the Sharks will anchor the second row while also directing the lineout. He will be joined by a pack featuring Neethling Fouche, Boan Venter, and Phepsi Buthelezi—all capped at the highest level. The backline boasts Am at inside center alongside rising star Markus Muller, with fly-half Yaqeen Ahmed and scrum-half Haashim Pead handling the tactical duties.

Stick is particularly excited about the midfield pairing of Am and Muller. “It’s a combination that gives us both experience and excitement,” he said. “Markus has been outstanding in the U20 setup, and having a player like Lukhanyo inside him can only accelerate his development.”

Zimbabwe, who have already secured their spot in the 2027 Rugby World Cup, are treating this fixture as a critical measuring stick. The Sables have made steady progress under their current coaching staff and will look to test their physicality against a side packed with South Africa’s depth talent.

“They have a settled team and good coaches, so they will throw everything at us,” Stick acknowledged. “The key is for our players to trust the structures and let their individual talent shine.”

The squad also features a strong core of under-20 representatives—several of whom will head to Georgia later this month for the Junior World Championship. Hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele, prop Oliver Reid, and back-rower Bathobele Hlekani are among the young guns looking to cap a memorable month with a statement performance against the Sables.

On the bench, Stick has named front-row cover in Liam van Wyk, Oliver Reid, and Hanro Jacobs, along with backline options Nico Steyn, Imad Khan, and Jurenzo Julius. Adre Smith, who only joined camp on Sunday, provides additional forward cover alongside Siba Mahashe.

The match kicks off at 12:00 local time (11:00 BST) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport. With the 2027 World Cup cycle underway, results like these offer clues about the next generation of Springbok talent—and what Zimbabwe will bring to the global stage on home soil.