Springboks prepare for Test-like clash against Barbarians in Cape Town
Image: BackpagePix
The Springboks are treating the mid-year matches as four Tests, not a warm-up match and three Tests, as they start their international season against the Barbarians on Saturday in Cape Town.
While the duel with the invitational side holds no status, Bok assistant coach Tony Brown says they won't fall into an unstructured game and are focused on staying within their game plan to start the year on a good footing.
That means the Baabaas can expect a forwards-centred clash against the world champions and looking at the predicted wet weather, the conditions might favour the hosts at the DHL Stadium (5.10 pm kick-off).
#Springboks attack coach Tony Brown says they are well aware of what's coming from the Barbarians this Saturday. "They have a style to uphold." pic.twitter.com/8KDoGYx40V — Leighton Koopman (@Leighton_K) June 23, 2025
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Brown, who was at the helm of the Boks' evolution on the attack last season, is hopeful the forwards can lay the platform to allow backs like Cheslin Kolbe to show their flair. However, they won't chuck the ball around blindly from the first whistle.
For the South Africans, it's important to start this crucial season by laying a solid foundation in their first match of 2025.
'We see it as a Test match and we will play the game that way,' Brown said on Monday.
#Springboks attack coach Tony Brown and Cheslin Kolbe discussing the intricacies of preparing for a team like the Barbarians ahead of Saturday's clash. pic.twitter.com/F26JtyWNlW — Leighton Koopman (@Leighton_K) June 23, 2025
'The Barbarians are a famous side worldwide. Everyone knows how they play, what they try to do and the style they must uphold as a Barbarians team. We are aware of what's coming. It is unpredictable rugby that you can't really prepare for.
'But if your awareness is high in what they are trying to do, we can prepare as well as we can. It is definitely a different challenge from what we normally would have (at the start of the season). They have always knocked over plenty of great sides over the years.
'The challenge is massive and that is exactly what we want for our first 'Test' of the year. It won't be Barbarians vs Barbarians; it will be Springboks vs Barbarians. Everything we do will be about how we play Test rugby and how we are going to win the game.'
Tony Brown is under no illusions about Saturday's match against the @Barbarian_FC: 'For us, this is like a Test match' 💥#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) June 23, 2025
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