The Springboks kicked off their 2025 season in spectacular fashion with a commanding 54-7 victory over the Barbarians in Cape Town. Despite the rainy conditions, the double world champions showcased their prowess by outclassing the invitational team and scoring eight tries to secure their biggest win over the Barbarians.
One of the standout aspects of the match was the Springboks’ dominance in the set pieces. Right from the start, the Boks asserted their authority in the scrums, with Ox Nche delivering a crushing performance against French prop Paul Alo-Emile. Their mauls were also effective, resulting in two tries. However, there were a few areas of improvement, as they were penalized at scrum time and had some missed lineouts.
Although the final scoreline of 54-7 may suggest a ruthless performance, the Springboks left some points on the field due to the challenging weather conditions. The first half saw early tries from Malcolm Marx, Cheslin Kolbe, and Vincent Tshituka, but their momentum waned towards the end. The second half showcased a more clinical finishing display, with additional tries from Tshituka, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Lood de Jager, and Damian de Allende.
The match also provided an opportunity for four Springbok debutants to shine. Vincent Tshituka, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Neethling Fouche, and Marnus van der Merwe all made their first appearances in the green and gold jersey. Tshituka stood out with a two-try performance, while the front row duo of Ntlabakanye and Fouche, along with Van Der Merwe, displayed promising performances that warrant future opportunities in the national team.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus once again displayed his innovative coaching style by making a bold decision during the match. In the 44th minute, he brought the entire bench onto the field, surprising many with positional changes like Andre Esterhuizen slotting in at flank. This strategic move added versatility to the team and raised questions about its potential implementation in official tests.
Overall, the Springboks’ comprehensive victory over the Barbarians sets a positive tone for their upcoming matches against Italy and Georgia. With a blend of experienced players and promising newcomers, the South African team looks poised for a successful 2025 season under the guidance of Rassie Erasmus.
