The Springboks kick off their 2025 season with a highly anticipated friendly fixture against the Barbarians this Saturday at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town. In this preview, we’ll take a look at the match from a betting perspective and off up a couple of suggested plays to hopefully add further excitement to the game.
South Africa – Recent Form & Squad Overview
The Springboks enjoyed an outstanding 2024 international campaign, playing 13 matches between June and November, winning 11 and losing just 2.
They ended the season on a high with three consecutive away victories, including:
- 32–15 vs Scotland
- 29–20 vs England
- 45–12 vs Wales
Earlier in the year, the Boks were dominant in the Rugby Championship, winning 5 out of 6 fixtures and ultimately lifting the title.
Looking ahead to Saturday, Siya Kolisi will lead the team once again as captain. Head coach Rassie Erasmus has named a 23-man squad that includes four uncapped players, offering some exciting new talent a chance to impress on home soil.
South African Squad:
Starting XV:
1 Ox Nché, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye (uncapped), 4 Jean Kleyn, 5 Lood de Jager, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 7 Vincent Tshituka (uncapped), 8 Jean‑Luc du Preez, 9 Morne van den Berg, 10 Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu, 11 Kurt‑Lee Arendse, 12 Damian de Allende, 13 Jesse Kriel, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 15 Aphelele Fassi
Replacements:
16 Marnus van der Merwe (uncapped), 17 Jan‑Hendrik Wessels, 18 Neethling Fouche (uncapped), 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen
Barbarians – Squad & Playing Style
The Barbarian Football Club, widely known as the Barbarians, is a prestigious British invitational rugby team founded in the late 1800s. Recognisable by their black and white hooped jerseys and the tradition of players wearing their own club or national socks, the Barbarians are famed for their flair and commitment to free-flowing, entertaining rugby.
Matches involving the Barbarians are often characterised by attacking intent and a festive atmosphere, with a focus on creativity and enjoyment over structured tactics.
Due to the invitational and rotating nature of the team, recent form offers little insight. Instead, attention turns to the squad selected to face South Africa this weekend. The side will be captained by Peter O’Mahony, and includes a number of high-profile players, notably several from New Zealand, adding both experience and x-factor to the lineup.
Barbarians Squad:
Starting XV:
1 Cian Healy, 2 Camille Chat, 3 Paul Alo‑Emile, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 5 David Ribbans, 6 Peter O’Mahony (captain), 7 Sam Cane, 8 Shannon Frizell, 9 Tawera Kerr‑Barlow, 10 Josh Jacomb, 11 Jacob Ratumaitavuki‑Kneepkens, 12 Peter Umaga‑Jensen, 13 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 14 Mark Telea, 15 Melvyn Jaminet
Replacements:
16 Ricky Riccitelli, 17 Hassane Kolingar, 18 Will Collier, 19 Josh Beehre, 20 Hoskins Sotutu, 21 Santiago Arata, 22 Joe Marchant, 23 Lachlan Boshier
Head-to-Head:
Due to the Barbarians being a composite side, they have not met recently, with their last match taking place in 2016 at the Wembley Stadium in London where the game ended in a 31-31 draw.
Betting and Verdict – click here to bet
South Africa trade at 1.12 to win with the Barbarians at 8.00 and the draw 41.00.
Handicap South Africa -15.5
I am really hoping the weather clears up as this should be a great game to watch.
The handicap looks well set and I am going for a bet on Malcom Marx to score a try at any time as I can see the Boks targeting the lineout maul.
Bet: Malcom Marx to score a try at 1.90 (for a bigger price Marx to score the 1st try at 11.00)
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but subject to change.
