Faf de Klerk returns to the Springboks squad for the Barbarians clash, while five uncapped players earn selection under Rassie Erasmus.

Faf de Klerk Returns as Springboks Name Five Uncapped Players for Barbarians Clash

de Klerk is back in the national setup after earning a place in Rassie Erasmus’ 23-man squad to face the Barbarians this weekend.

The experienced scrum-half has not played for South Africa since the victory over Georgia in 2025. However, he will make his return from the bench as the Springboks begin preparations for a demanding international season.

De Klerk, 34, is also set to return to South African rugby next season when he joins the Cheetahs.

New Faces Get Their Springboks Opportunity

Erasmus has included five uncapped players in the matchday squad, highlighting his desire to build depth ahead of future challenges.

Junior Boks captain Riley Norton and prop Carlu Sadie have both been named in the starting XV. Meanwhile, JJ Kotze, Paul de Villiers and Vusi Moyo will provide cover among the replacements.

The coaching staff have been encouraged by the way the newcomers adapted to the team’s structures during camp. As a result, they now have the chance to impress alongside established internationals.

Strong Springboks Side Named Despite Absentees

Although several Bulls players are unavailable, Erasmus has still selected a squad packed with Test experience.

Aphelele Fassi starts at full-back, while Cheslin Kolbe and Edwill van der Merwe line up on the wings. Jesse Kriel partners Andre Esterhuizen in midfield.

Grant Williams wears the number nine jersey, with Quan Horn selected at fly-half.

Up front, captain Siya Kolisi leads a powerful loose trio that also features Jasper Wiese and Pieter-Steph du Toit. Franco Mostert joins Norton in the second row.

In the front row, Sadie earns his first start alongside hooker Andre-Hugo Venter and loosehead prop Ox Nche.

Erasmus Explains Selection Strategy

The Springboks director of rugby said the squad reflects a balance between experience and development.

“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,” said Erasmus.

He added that the management team has been impressed with how quickly the uncapped players settled into the environment.

The match also forms part of the team’s preparations for a busy campaign that includes the Nations Championship and the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.

Barbarians Expected to Provide Tough Test

While the Barbarians are known for their attacking style, Erasmus expects a highly competitive contest.

According to the Springboks coach, the invitational side contains a blend of experienced and exciting talent. Therefore, South Africa cannot afford to underestimate the challenge.

“They will challenge us, but this will be a good hit-out for our players to get back into top-level international rugby,” he said.

Erasmus also pointed out that the Barbarians are often difficult to analyse because their squads feature players from different countries and rugby systems.

For that reason, he wants his team to focus primarily on their own performance and objectives.

Springboks Team to Face the Barbarians

Starting XV

15 Aphelele Fassi
14 Cheslin Kolbe
13 Jesse Kriel
12 Andre 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 Nche

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