Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
Test Rugby
International Rugby Union
South Africa vs Barbarians
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
Saturday, 20 June 2026
Kick-off is at 15:00
Reigning Rugby World Champions South Africa will commence their 2026 season with a keenly anticipated clash against the Barbarians in Gqeberha this weekend, with head coach Rassie Erasmus eager to experiment with his squad.
As the Springboks prepare to take on a star-studded Barbarian outfit, South Africa will also put plans in place for the Nations Championship Summer Series where they will face England, Scotland and Wales on home soil in July.
Thereafter, the four-time World Champions will also look forward to the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series alongside New Zealand between 8 August-27 September, as well as the Nations Championship Autumn Tour against the likes of Italy, France and Ireland in November.
Erasmus named five uncapped players in his squad for the Barbarians fixture, among seasoned veterans such as Cheslin Kolbe, Ox Nche, Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit.
South Africa’s World Rugby Junior World Championship winning captain Riley Norton will start in the second-row, while Bordeaux-Begles tighthead prop Carlu Sadio likewise received a nod in the starting XV.
While Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Handre Pollard are unavailable for the clash, Lions star Quan Horn will start at Fly-half.
Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
Also making the cut was that of JJ Kotze, Paul de Villiers and Vusi Moyo, who will start fromt the bench as uncapped players.
Then, as a relief for Springbok fans across the board, Pieter-Steph du Toit will start at 7 after undergoing a shoulder operation in January.
Speaking ahead of a busy 2026 Rugby season, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus believes that the Barbarians tie will provide his coaching team with the opportunity to mend previously injured players and at the same time, give up-and-coming talents a chance to prove themselves worthy at test level.
“We said from the outset that we wanted to give a few players returning from injury and others who have been playing overseas game time in this match, while at the same time exposing some of the younger players on our radar to top-class international rugby, and we believe this squad reflects those objectives,” said Erasmus.
“We have been very impressed with the way the new players have jumped straight into action and grasped our systems and structures.
“We are excited to see what they can do alongside some of our regular Springbok players, as we build for what will be a challenging season with the Nations Championship and Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series approaching.”
International Rugby Union
15:00: South Africa vs Barbarians
Sign Up with Betway and bet on International Rugby
Join our Telegram Channel
Get way more with Betway. Enjoy the thrill of sports betting, casino games, and more. Join our community for tips, bonuses, and exciting offers. #BetwaySquad
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, Instagram and Youtube. Download the Betway app to bet on the go!