This clash is a historic one, with the invitational side, coached by Robbie Deans, set to face the back-to-back World Champions on South African soil for the very first time.

While many view the game as a warm-up ahead of the upcoming Tests against Italy and Georgia, the Boks are taking it a lot more seriously. The Barbarians, or Baabaas as they’re affectionately known, are famous for their carefree, attacking style of rugby that always delivers top-notch entertainment.

Robbie Deans. Photo: Barbarians

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus said the match is more than just a friendly, especially considering the Barbarians have the freedom to play without any pressure or expectations.

“It’s a tricky one to plan for, but it’s also quite simple in some ways,” Erasmus explained. “We want to get off to a strong start. 

“I’ve coached the Barbarians before, and quite a few of our players have also turned out for them. It’s a setup that lifts the pressure and encourages an entertaining brand of rugby, where the outcome isn’t everything.

“When they come together, it’s a mix of incredibly talented players. There’s not a lot of time for structure or analysis, so we’ll be focusing more on our own game. 

“This is also a good chance to give game time to players who haven’t featured recently, especially those returning from stints in Japan.”

Erasmus added that the Bulls players are unlikely to be involved. “They only join us on Tuesday, which means they’d get maybe one session before Barbarians week. 

“You don’t want to throw guys in when they’re undercooked. This isn’t a Test match, so it’s a valuable opportunity for fringe players, maybe even one or two debuts.

“But at the same time, we need to be strong enough to avoid taking a hiding in our first run-out of the season against a quality outfit. The only real pressure is to play without pressure, and that, in itself, brings its own type of pressure.”

The match at Cape Town Stadium kicks off at 17:10 next Saturday.

Springbok squad:

Forwards: Lood de Jager, Jean-Luc du Preez, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Neethling Fouché, Jean Kleyn, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Salmaan Moerat, Franco Mostert, Ox Nché, Ruan Nortjé, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Evan Roos, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Vincent Tshituka, Marco van Staden, Marnus van der Merwe, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese, Jasper Wiese

Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, André Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Willie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Handré Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morné van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh