[Image: SABC News]
Get ready, Cape Town, the Springboks are about to square up with the Barbarians for the very first time on South African soil, and it’s all going down at DHL Stadium on Saturday, 28 June.
Expect fireworks, flair, and possibly a few flying mullets.
Helming the BaaBaas is none other than former All Black and Crusaders kingpin Robbie Deans, also known for his Wallabies stint, though we won’t hold that against him.
He’ll be directing a squad cobbled together from all corners of rugby’s finest: United Rugby Championship, Top 14, Premiership, Super Rugby, and Japan Rugby League One. A true rugby buffet, with chaos firmly on the menu.
This will be the ninth encounter between the sides, the last one a high-octane 31-31 draw at Wembley in 2016. Yeah, that game. The one where defence took the day off and vibes ran the show.
Dig into the archives, and you’ll find that since their first clash in 1952, the BaaBaas have edged the scoreboard: four wins to the Boks’ three, with that lone draw sitting smugly in between. The last time the Boks got one over the Barbarians? Cardiff, 10 December 2000. Score: 41-31. Y2K panic was still a thing, and so was a Bok win.
“It’s always exciting to face the BaaBaas, and this match will be particularly special as it marks the first time that we will face them in South Africa,” said Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus.
“For us this will be the perfect opportunity to get the players match-ready for the official international season, which starts a week later.
“With a big squad one can simulate a match situation, but there is nothing like a proper international with the full build-up and the pressure to get the players battle ready, so this is a great occasion for us.
“With the Barbarians team featuring players from across the world, they are tough to analyse, so the key for us will be to focus on our structures and what we want to achieve on the field.”
And make no mistake, this isn’t your garden-variety exhibition match. Robbie Deans is bringing artillery. He’ll be backed by French enforcer Patrice Collazo (Racing 92), Japan’s Atsushi Kanazawa (Saitama Wild Knights), and recently-retired All Black legend Sam Whitelock, who clearly couldn’t resist one more crack at Bokland.
“It is exciting news to have the iconic Barbarians announced to play against the World Champion Springboks in Cape Town in late June – these are two of the biggest brands in the game.
“The last occasion these two teams met at Wembley resulted in a draw. The Springboks have achieved a lot since that day, this will be an altogether different challenge on-site in South Africa.
“We are hopeful of putting together a combination that will provide the sort of spectacle that the occasion deserves.”
So don’t expect a social runaround with cheeky chips and post-try hugs. Rassie’s not in the mood for gentle intros.
“We may have had a satisfying 2024 season, but this is a new year and a fresh challenge, and we’d like to start strong and build momentum as the season progresses.
“We have a tough year ahead, and the Barbarians, who are usually laden with seasoned internationals, will provide the perfect test before the Castle Lager Incoming Series.”
Mark your calendars. Lace up your boots. Or at the very least, ice the beers. This one’s going to have bite.
[Source: Planet Rugby]
