Rugby
All Black Perenara to lead Baabaas against the Boks─── MORGAN PIEK 11:58 Wed, 17 Jun 2026
The former All Blacks scrumhalf TJ Perenara will captain a formidable Barbarians side when they take on the Springboks at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday afternoon.
The experienced New Zealander, who earned 89 test caps for the All Blacks, headlines a squad featuring 19 internationals representing eleven different countries. The famous invitational side has assembled a wealth of talent and experience for their clash against the reigning world champions.
Perenara is no stranger to the Barbarians jersey, having previously represented the side against Fiji in 2013. He will combine with Argentine flyhalf Tomás Albornoz in an exciting halfback pairing.
Springbok outside back Warrick Gelant will be playing for the Barbarians. Photo: Barbarians
In midfield, Munster centre Alex Nankivell joins forces with French international Virimi Vakatawa, while Scotland winger Duhan van der Merwe forms part of an impressive back three. Van der Merwe will line up alongside Springbok fullback Warrick Gelant, who faces his countrymen, and Wallabies speedster Andrew Kellaway.
The forwards boast plenty of physicality and international pedigree. Argentine prop Mayco Vivas, Welsh hooker Elliot Dee and Scotland tighthead D’Arcy Rae make up the front row.
The second row sees Argentina’s Franco Molina partnered by Alex Moon, providing considerable height and lineout presence.
On the flank, veteran Argentine Guido Petti and New Zealand’s Lachlan Boshier will look to make their mark, while dynamic Samoan number eight Miracle Fai’ilagi completes a powerful back row.
Barbarians head coach Scott Robertson said the squad had embraced the unique culture and traditions associated with the famous black-and-white jersey.
“We are all really excited for Saturday afternoon. To play against the world champions in South Africa is an awesome opportunity,” Robertson said.
“We have embraced the Barbarians spirit and tradition this week, coming together as a group and enjoying each other’s company in Cape Town.
“It’s a team packed with talent, guys who have come from all over the world and have a great chance to showcase their ability in Gqeberha.
“We want to express ourselves and do the famous black and white jersey proud.”
Oli Kebble and Duhan van der Merwe. Photo: Barbarians
The replacements bench also carries a strong South American influence, with Argentinians Leonel Oviedo and Pedro Delgado joined by Uruguayan scrumhalf Santiago Arata among the impact players.
Saturday’s game at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will kick-off 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
Barbarians – 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Virimi Vakatawa, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Tomás Albornoz, 9 TJ Perenara (captain), 8 Miracle Fai’ilagi, 7 Lachlan Boshier, 6 Guido Petti, 5 Alex Moon, 4 Franco Molina, 3 D’Arcy Rae, 2 Elliot Dee, 1 Mayco Vivas
Replacements – Leonel Oviedo, Oli Kebble, Pedro Delgado, Izack Rodda, Liam McConnell, Santiago Arata, Harry Plummer, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
