Get ready for a rugby spectacle! The Barbarians are set to clash with the All Blacks XV, and the squad is packed with South African talent. No fewer than 17 Springboks feature in the matchday 23, promising a thrilling encounter filled with Bok flavour.
SA Rugby Dominance in Barbarians Squad
Stormers coach John Dobson and Pat Lam have clearly favoured South African prowess, assembling a Barbarians side that is undeniably Bok-heavy. Hanro Liebenberg will captain a formidable pack that includes stalwarts like Bongi Mbonambi, Evan Roos, and Asenathi Ntlabakanye.
Front Row Firepower
The Barbarians' front row boasts significant Bok experience, with Mbonambi anchoring the scrum, flanked by Stormers' Oli Kebble and Lions' Ntlabakanye. Ruben van Heerden and Ernst van Rhyn form a powerful all-South African second-row combination.
Backline Brilliance
Behind the scrum, Rob du Preez will orchestrate the attack from flyhalf, partnered with Rhodri Williams at scrumhalf. The back three of Leolin Zas, Werner Kok, and Max Mallins promises fireworks with their electrifying pace and skill.
Bench Strength
The South African influence extends to the bench, with Andre-Hugo Venter, Cobus Wiese, Batho Hlekani, Dan du Plessis, and Rhyno Smith providing further firepower. This underscores the Barbarians' unmistakably Bok-laced identity under Dobson's guidance.
The Barbarians will be looking to uphold their tradition of flamboyant rugby when they face the All Blacks XV. Don't miss the action! Kick-off is at 3:15pm (SA time).
Barbarians Squad:
- 15 Max Mallins
- 14 Werner Kok
- 13 Matias Moroni
- 12 Benhard Janse van Rensburg
- 11 Leolin Zas
- 10 Rob du Preez
- 9 Rhodri Williams
- 8 Evan Roos
- 7 Fitz Harding
- 6 Hanro Liebenberg (c)
- 5 Ruben van Heerden
- 4 Ernst van Rhyn
- 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye
- 2 Bongi Mbonambi
- 1 Oli Kebble
Replacements:
- 16 Andre-Hugo Venter
- 17 Alistair Vermaak
- 18 Jack Aungier
- 19 Cobus Wiese
- 20 Batho Hlekani
- 21 Brad Webber
- 22 Dan du Plessis
- 23 Rhyno Smith