With just one day before the Springboks launch their official Test season against Italy, Saturday’s clash with the Barbarians at DHL Stadium is far more than just an exhibition match — it’s an audition.
Springbok attack coach Tony Brown has made it clear: those who impress against the Barbarians will be in the frame for the Italy Test at Loftus next weekend. With Rassie Erasmus fielding a blend of youth and experience in this early-season squad, the competition for places is intense.
While much of the focus is on the four uncapped players looking to announce themselves, pressure also falls on a few familiar names — and perhaps a couple with even more to prove than the newcomers.
Here are four Springboks who’ll be desperate to shine on Saturday:
1. Manie Libbok – Redemption in Sight
Manie Libbok is still shaking off the criticism that followed him through the 2023 Rugby World Cup — where his inconsistent goal-kicking overshadowed flashes of attacking brilliance.
Coming off the bench behind young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Libbok won’t necessarily be the designated kicker, but his vision and creativity will be under scrutiny. With veteran Handré Pollard only just joining camp and not involved this weekend, Libbok has a golden opportunity to reassert himself in the flyhalf pecking order.
His URC season showed mixed returns: a 50% goal-kicking success rate, including seven conversions and one penalty from 16 attempts. But Saturday could allow him to show that he still offers something unique — his famed cross-kicks and quick distribution could unlock an unpredictable Barbarians defence.
2. Marnus van der Merwe – The Quiet Breakout
At 28, hooker Marnus van der Merwe is not your typical Springbok debutant. But after a superb season with the Scarlets — including 10 tries and top marks in lineout and turnover stats — he’s earned his shot.
Bench duty on Saturday doesn’t dull the pressure. His call-up came at the expense of rising stars like Johan Grobbelaar and André-Hugo Venter. To stay in the frame for Italy, Van der Merwe must prove he’s not just a one-season sensation, but a serious contender at Test level.
3. Asenathi Ntlabakanye – Power Meets Potential
Lions tighthead prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye is another new face in green and gold, but with a huge presence — literally. Once tipping the scales at over 150kg, the 26-year-old has worked hard to condition himself into Springbok shape, even undergoing specialist training with scrum coach Daan Human.
He’ll face his first major test against the Barbarian pack. If he can hold his own — or dominate — it could go a long way toward leapfrogging him past more established names like Wilco Louw.
4. Damian de Allende – Too Good to Drop?
A veteran of two World Cup wins, Damian de Allende would seem an automatic pick — but the midfield competition is heating up. With André Esterhuizen breathing down his neck and rising star Ethan Hooker set for chances soon, the inside centre berth is anything but secure.
De Allende knows this. Starting on Saturday, he’ll be keen to make a statement: that even with new blood coming in, there’s still no one better in the No. 12 jersey.
Final Thought
Saturday’s fixture may not be a capped Test, but for these four Springboks, it’s a career-defining opportunity. With Italy looming and Rassie Erasmus watching closely, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
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