Coaches Rassie Erasmus and Mzwandile Stick naming squads that blend proven internationals with some of South Africa’s brightest emerging talent.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will lead the national side, while Vincent Tshituka has been entrusted with the captaincy duties for SA ‘A’.

André-Hugo Venter - Morgan Piek

Erasmus has selected a squad featuring a healthy mix of experience and youth as he begins building momentum ahead of a demanding international season. Eighteen capped Springboks have been included, while several players will get their first opportunity to showcase their talents at senior international level.

Among those earning a chance in the starting line-up are Junior Springbok captain Riley Norton and prop Carlu Sadie, both of whom are yet to make their official Test debuts.

The backline boasts plenty of firepower, with Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe and Edwill van der Merwe forming an exciting back three. Jesse Kriel and André Esterhuizen will combine in midfield, while Quan Horn gets an opportunity at flyhalf alongside scrumhalf Grant Williams.

Up front, Kolisi joins Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese in a formidable loose trio, while Franco Mostert partners Norton in the second row.

“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, while at the same time exposing some of the younger players on our radar to top-class international rugby,” Erasmus said.

“We have been very impressed with the way the new players have jumped straight into action and grasped our systems and structures, and we are excited to see what they can do alongside some of our regular Springbok players.”

The Toyota Cheetahs scrumhalf Faf de Klerk is on the Springboks bench - Morgan Piek

Erasmus expects a stern challenge from the Barbarians despite the invitational side being difficult to analyse.

“They have a group of exciting and experienced players in their squad, and they’ll come out guns blazing and try to produce an entertaining style of rugby, which will serve as a good test for us,” he added.

Meanwhile, Stick’s SA ‘A’ squad also reflects a strong balance between established professionals and rising stars.

Veteran Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am will provide leadership in midfield, while experienced campaigners such as Boan Venter, Neethling Fouché and Phepsi Buthelezi will guide an exciting crop of young players that includes Haashim Pead, Bathobele Hlekani and Siphosethu Mnebelele.

The SA ‘A’ team will face a Zimbabwe side preparing for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, adding extra significance to the encounter.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what this group of players can do against a determined Zimbabwe outfit,” Stick said.

“The young players and uncapped guys have really slotted in well in the last week, and one can sense the excitement among them to take the field. This match will provide fantastic senior international exposure for them.”

Boan Venter, cousin of Quan Horn will start at loosehead prop for South Africa ‘A’ against Zimbabwe - X

With established stars, promising youngsters and two competitive opponents in town, rugby supporters in Gqeberha can look forward to a thrilling afternoon as South Africa’s international season officially gets underway.

The SA ‘A’ game against Zimbabwe at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will kick-off at 12:00, while the game between the Springboks and Barbarians will get underway at 15:00.

Springboks - 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Quan Horn, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Riley Norton, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Andre-Hugo Venter, 1 Ox Nché

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

SA ‘A’ - 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Jaco Williams, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Haashim Pead, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Bathobele Hlekani, 6 Emmanuel Tshituka, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Vincent Tshituka (captain), 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Boan Venter

Replacements - 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Adré Smith, 20 Siba Mahashe, 21 Nico Steyn, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Jurenzo Julius

Morgan Piek OFM Sport