Springboks Gear Up for Season Opener Against Barbarians in Gqeberha
The South African national rugby team, the Springboks, began preparations on Monday for their first match of the 2024 season – a high‑profile encounter with the invitational Barbarians side at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on 20 June. Coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed that a 51‑player squad, featuring a significant number of uncapped youngsters, had assembled in Johannesburg to start the week‑long camp.
Squad Announcement and Preparation
According to the official South African Rugby Union (SARU) press release dated 10 June 2024, the initial squad comprised 51 players, 21 of whom have yet to earn a Test cap[1]. The group convened at the Johannesburg‑based high‑performance centre before travelling to the Eastern Cape for the Barbarians clash and a subsequent fixture against Zimbabwe.
Following the SARU announcement, two additional players were added to the camp:
- Phepsi Buthelezi – loose forward, Sharks; made his Test debut against Portugal in 2024.
- Carlu Sadie – prop, former junior Springbok; currently with Bordeaux Bègles in France and will report on Wednesday.
Inclusion of Uncapped Youngsters
Erasmus emphasized a youth‑focused approach, noting that the Bulls’ unavailability – due to their progression to the United Rugby Championship (URC) final against Leinster – opened opportunities for emerging talent. Among the uncapped players highlighted in the SARU release are:
- Sibabalwe Mahashe (Lions) – loose forward
- Yaqeen Ahmed (flyhalf/centre) – SA U20
- Danie Kruger (prop) – SA U20
- Luan Giliomee (utility back) – SA U20
- Vusi Moyo (flyhalf) – SA U20
- Oliver Reid (prop) – SA U20
- Liam van Wyk (hooker) – SA U20
- Riley Norton (loose forward/lock) – Junior Springbok captain
- Siphosethu Mnebelele (hooker) – SA U20
- Markus Muller (centre) – SA U20
- Zekhethelo Siyaya (utility back) – SA U20
Additional squad members who were not selected for the starting XV but remain in the extended group include Paul de Villiers, Bathobele Hlekani, Hanro Jacobs, Jurenzo Julius, Imad Khan, JJ Kotze, Mahashe (duplicate entry for clarity), Haashim Pead, Nico Steyn, Emmanuel Tshituka, and Jaco Williams.
Key Call‑Ups: Phepsi Buthelezi and Carlu Sadie
Buthelezi, who earned his first Test cap against Portugal in November 2024, joined the camp on Monday evening after reporting for duty with the Sharks. His experience in Super Rugby and recent international exposure are expected to add depth to the loose‑forward department.
Sadie, a product of the Junior Springbok programme, has been plying his trade with European champions Bordeaux Bègles. Having participated in the virtual Springbok orientation camps while based in France, he brings a blend of technical skill and familiarity with the Boks’ playing style. His arrival on Wednesday will complete the front‑row reinforcement.
Coach Erasmus on the Mood and Objectives
Speaking to media on the opening day of camp, Erasmus conveyed a palpable sense of enthusiasm:
“It’s great to be back on the field and see familiar and new faces in the squad. The excitement in the group to start the season is palpable and we are looking forward to the week ahead. We are also pleased to welcome Phepsi and Carlu to the squad and we are confident that they will fit in easily.”
Erasmus further stated that the coaching staff will monitor how the younger players adapt to the physical and tactical demands of senior international rugby, a key objective ahead of the upcoming Nations Championship fixtures.
Looking Ahead: Nations Championship Squad Announcement
The Springboks’ squad for the opening match of the 2024 Nations Championship – against England, Scotland and Wales – will be announced on 21 June, one day after the Barbarians encounter. This timeline allows the coaching staff to evaluate performances in the Gqeberha doubleheader before finalising the selection for the championship opener.
As the Boks continue to blend seasoned campaigners with promising talent, the upcoming fixtures serve as both a competitive test and a platform for the next generation of Springbok rugby.
References
- South African Rugby Union. “Springboks name 51‑player squad for Barbarians and Zimbabwe matches.” 10 June 2024. https://www.saru.co.za/news/springboks-squad-barbarians-zimbabwe
- News24. “Coach Rassie Erasmus says excitement is palpable as Springboks prepare for Barbarians clash.” 10 June 2024. https://www.news24.com/sport/rugby/springboks/coach-rassie-erasmus-on-squad-excitement-20240610
