Could first Springbok team of the year look like this?
Rassie Erasmus has made it clear that they are not taking this clash lightly as their intention is to get their own structures in place as they prepare for a challenging international season.
Interestingly, he has identified this clash as an opportunity to get Japan-based players back up to speed considering their League One season finished quite some time ago, while there will certainly be some newcomers who are afforded a run as well.
It's also unlikely all that many Bulls players will be pushed into action considering they have just featured all the way through to the URC final.
With all this in mind, this is the first team of the year that we think the Springboks could select.
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Kwagga Smith, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Lood de Jager, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Boan Venter.
Rassie Erasmus has made it clear that there is a very clear plan in place for the opening fixture of the season.
'It's difficult to plan around the Barbarians because they are a team consisting of players from many different countries, so our focus in that match will be our game and what we want to achieve,' he said.
'It will serve as a good opportunity for the players who have returned from Japan to get back into the swing of things, and perhaps to give a few players who have not played Test rugby a feel of what it is to play at this level.'
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
15 minutes ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs signings: 'From Pirates to Europe' - Where they come from
Kaizer Chiefs have signed half a dozen players from the likes of Orlando Pirates and even Europe. Kaizer Chiefs are changing and they're changing rapidly. In fact, Amakhosi has signed SIX new players so far. Meanwhile, Chiefs have released EIGHT players. Let's take a look at all the new Amakhosi stars and where they came from. Nkanyiso Shinga (FC Alverca) Flavio Silva (Persebaya Surabaya) Ethan Chislett (Port Vale) Thabiso Monyane (Orlando Pirates) Paseka Mako (Orlando Pirates) Siphesihle Ndlovu (SuperSport United). Chiefs have signed players from all over the world. Shinga (Portugal) and Chislett (England) were signed from Europe. Meanwhile, Silva joins Chiefs from the Middle East (Indonesia). However, it is back at home where Amakhosi have everyone talking. Chiefs have recruited a trio of stars from PSL rivals. The Soweto giants signed not one but two Orlando Pirates players. Mako and Monyane are now officially Amakhosi stars. Finally, Ndlovu was signed from SuperSport United who have now been sold. So, of the SIX new signings Ndlovu is the man likely to start the most games for Chiefs. Silva will be given a fair chance at the start of the season too. However, he has come under scrutiny following below-par performances during Amakhosi's pre-season tour of the Netherlands. Meaning, he will have to perform much better if he is to become Chiefs regular striker. Meanwhile, Amakhosi are still in the market for an attacker or two. Therefore, if another striker is signed than Silva might have an even tougher start to his Chiefs career. Mako has a good chance of starting after Edmilson Dove was released. Meanwhile, Monyane is a quality player who could be rotated with Reeve Frosler and Dillan Solomons. Finally, Chislett faces stiff competition in the midfield with Ndlovu, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Nkonsigiphile Ngcobo, Samkelo Zwane and Mduduzi Shabalala. Therefore, I think Ndlovu will start regularly. Silva's appearances will depend on his form and who is signed next. Monyane and Mako will be rotated but Mako faces less competition at left back. Whilst, Shinga could be benched. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
15 minutes ago
- The South African
Is this the greatest LEFT-HANDED Test XI ever?
But based on performance, influence, and balance across eras and roles, here's a pretty formidable all-time left-hander-only Test team. Image: WION Creating the Greatest Test Left-Handed XI is a fun – and subjective – exercise. But based on performance, influence, and balance across eras and roles, here's a pretty formidable all-time left-hander-only Test team: Matthew Hayden (Australia) Aggressive, powerful opener with over 8,600 runs and a dominant presence at the top. Alastair Cook (England) England's highest Test run-scorer; technically solid and mentally unshakeable. Brian Lara (West Indies) The stylish genius with the highest individual Test score (400 ) and two 375+ innings.* Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) Over 12,000 runs, elegance personified, and one of the most consistent #3/4s ever. Sourav Ganguly (India) – Captain India's 'Prince of Calcutta' and a transformative leader; aggressive left-hander with flair. Adam Gilchrist (Australia) – Wicketkeeper Changed the role of wicketkeeper-batsman forever; explosive with the bat, reliable with the gloves. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) One of the most complete all-rounders of the modern era; a match-winner with both bat and ball. Wasim Akram (Pakistan) The 'Sultan of Swing'; lethal with both old and new ball; also a capable lower-order batsman. Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) Sri Lanka's premier left-arm seamer; accurate, consistent, and effective in all conditions. Derek Underwood (England) 'Deadly' on wet wickets; a master of slow left-arm orthodox bowling. Mitchell Johnson (Australia) Devastating pace and bounce, especially in the 2013–14 Ashes; could turn matches single-handedly. Arguably the greatest cricketer of all time, but left out of the XI only to keep team balance in a Test context (since Sobers batted in the top 6 and this team is already stacked). Could easily replace any all-rounder. Honorable mentions: Graeme Smith and Graeme Pollock Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs - Full list: All confirmed departures
Kaizer Chiefs have parted ways with yet another player as the departures out of Naturena continue. Kaizer Chiefs have now released EIGHT players. Let's take a look at all confirmed Amakhosi departures so far. Ranga Chivaviro Sabelo Radebe Njabulo Blom Edmilson Dove Mduduzi Mdantsane Yusuf Maart Tebogo Potsane Bongani Sam Chivaviro was the first player released by Chiefs. Thereafter, Radebe and Blom were released by Amakhosi. Then, Amakhosi management freed up some international space by releasing Mozambican international, Dove. Shortly afterwards, Mdantsane and Chiefs parted ways amicably. Most of these departures were expected. However, nobody saw club captain Yusuf Maart leaving Amakhosi. He is now plying his trade for Austrian outfit – SV Reid. Finally, Potsane and Sam are the most recent player exits announced by Chiefs. Ironically, Sam, who was signed from Pirates, did not play under Nasreddine Nabi. He suffered a serious injury shortly after signing for Amakhosi. Then, he was never given a chance to stake his claim. Chivaviro has been replaced by Flavio Silva on attack. Furthermore, Amakhosi are still in the market for another attacker or two (a striker and a winger). In defense, Dove has been replaced by Mako at right back. So, Monyane and Nkanyiso Shinga will fill in Bongani Same and Njabulo Blom. In the midfield, Siphesihle Ndlovu and Ethan Chislett look set to replace Yusuf Maart, Mduduzi Mdantsane and Sabelo Radebe. Finally, Inacio Miguel will take over the Chiefs captaincy in the 2025/26 season. Therefore, Chiefs must still replace Potsane to balance their squad. Meaning, they need another winger and a striker. Also, Amakhosi are still in the market for a new goalkeeper. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
