Springbok captain Siya Kolisi says the energy and hunger brought by the team’s younger players have strengthened an already formidable squad ahead of Saturday’s clash against the Barbarians in Gqeberha at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
The fixtures mark the beginning of South Africa’s 2026 international campaign, with the Springboks taking on the Barbarians, while the SA ‘A’ side faces Zimbabwe in the curtain-raiser.
Kolisi says the blend of experience and fresh talent gives South Africa confidence as they begin another international season.
World Cup-winning captain Kolisi returns to lead a Springbok side that combines experienced campaigners with exciting young talent.
While double World Cup winners such as Cheslin Kolbe and Pieter-Steph du Toit headline the team, five players are in line to make their Springbok debuts.
Kolisi says the younger players have brought fresh energy and healthy competition to the squad as preparations continue towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
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“They remind me of myself when I was younger. They have no fear; they are eager to go, and they go hard all the time, which means we need to match their energy. They are not going to slow down because of us. We need to keep up with their pace and pass that knowledge on to them. I think all of them are excited. It’s hard to single out names, but it’s been really amazing for us. Last week was tough because normally guys are shy, but that’s the thing about Coach Rassie. He stood up and said, ‘Guys, you need to show up. You are here because you deserve to be here,” he says.
Standing in their way will be a star-studded Barbarians outfit captained by former All Black scrumhalf, T.J Perenara. The invitational side says they understand the physical challenge that comes with facing the world champions and are ready for the battle.
“We have all played rugby on a number of different levels, and on every one of those levels, physicality is a big part of it. I think the boys understand playing against South Africa. It means that it is going to be a physical battle on our hands, so we understand that it’s a strength and we’re in for the fight,” says Perenara.
Earlier in the day, South Africa’s emerging talent will be on display when the SA ‘A’ side takes on Zimbabwe.
Captain Vincent Tshituka echoed Kolisi’s sentiments, saying the match offers another opportunity to showcase the depth that has become a hallmark of South African rugby.
“Ultimately, we are still representing the Springboks at the end of the day, and we want to play the Springbok way and represent that standard. I think for me there is a lot of magic in the pack, and our job is to give them the best platform to use their talents. We have a lot of experienced guys in the pack, and we also have a lot of players who are hungry to get an opportunity in the Springbok jersey,” says Tshituka.
Zimbabwe captain Hilton Mudariki says his side is under no illusion about the challenge that awaits, but is relishing the opportunity.
“The South African side is not world champions by default. They are a good rugby nation, and we know what to expect as they are very physical. Those are the things we have been focusing on throughout the week, and we have been planning for them,” says Mudariki.
The SA ‘A’ side take on Zimbabwe at midday before the Springboks face the Barbarians at 15h00.
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