Another tangle with the Springboks for Sam Cane
Sam Cane has had his fair share of battles with South Africa, the former New Zealand captain sent off, of course, in the World Cup final in Paris 18 months or so ago. The stakes are rather lower here but he’ll perhaps be keen to right a few wrongs.
Cane and Peter O’Mahony have a bit of history, too, the Irishman once quipping dismissively about the All Blacks No 7’s ability mid-game with an unfavourable comparison to the past occupier of that jersey, Richie McCaw. I think they’ve kissed and made up as they prepare to take the flanks today.
Sam Cane concluded his international career last year (Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle28 June 2025 15:20
The retiring Peter O’Mahony skippers the Barbarians line-up, with fellow old Irish stager Cian Healy joining him in saying farewell. Ex-All Blacks captain Sam Cane joins O’Mahony in the back row and has plenty of Kiwis for company in a side full of New Zealanders young and old.
Mark Telea is an eye-catching inclusion after his omission from Scott Robertson’s latest squad while there is also a significant contingent taken from the Top 14, including lock David Ribbans and centre Joe Marchant, both part of England’s 2023 World Cup squad before moves to France left them ineligible. It’s a six/two bench for the BaaBaas.
Barbarians XV: 1 Cian Healy, 2 Camille Chat, 3 Paul Alo-Emile; 4 Ruben van Heerden, 5 David Ribbans; 6 Peter O’Mahony (capt.), 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.
Peter O’Mahony leads the Barbarians (Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle28 June 2025 15:10
Rassie Erasmus has given chances to four uncapped players amidst plenty of experience in a strong South Africa side. Giant tighthead Asenathi Ntlabakanye and explosive flanker Vincent Tshituka both start as they pull on Springboks shirts for the first time, with front-rowers Marnus van der Merwe and Neethling Fouche also set to be used off the bench.
There are familiar faces elsewhere: Jesse Kriel captains the side after injury struck Siya Kolisi in the week, while Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende and Malcolm Marx are among the other stars on show.
South Africa XV: 1 Ox Nche, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye; 4 Jean Kleyn, 5 Lood de Jager; 6 Marco van Staden, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 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 (capt.), 14 Cheslin Kolbe; 15 Aphelele Fassi.
Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Kwagga Smith; 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen.
Jesse Kriel captains the South Africa side in the absence of Siya Kolisi (Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle28 June 2025 15:00
The Barbarians are rugby’s biggest anachronism – don’t ever take them away
The Barbarians are a slightly curious beast, a relic of a bygone age of amateurism perhaps out of place in the modern rugby world. But, as Luke Baker argues, that’s all part of their charm:
Harry Latham-Coyle28 June 2025 14:50
One of the breakout stars for the Springboks last year was full-back Aphelele Fassi, seizing his chance after an unexpected return to the South Africa squad. Here’s a little bit more about what makes him tick.
Harry Latham-Coyle28 June 2025 14:35
Felix Jones returns to South Africa as new role revealed after England resignation
Since then, South Africa have lured back a significant figure in Felix Jones, the England assistant having handed in his notice last summer after a short stint under Steve Borthwick and now back with the Boks.
Harry Latham-Coyle28 June 2025 14:20
Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus reveal the secrets behind the Springboks’ evolution
South Africa are back-to-back world champions for a reason, Rassie Erasmus seemingly always able to keep his side ahead of the game. Last year, I went to find out the secrets behind their next evolution as they set their sights on more success.
Harry Latham-Coyle28 June 2025 14:05
South Africa vs Barbarians live
For the first time in 2025, South Africa are in (sort-of) international action as the Springboks welcome the Barbarians to Cape Town. As ever with the invitational side in black and white hoops, this is a non-capped affair but there are still plenty in the home ranks hoping to prove themselves to Rassie Erasmus in a key rebuilding phase for the world champions.
Kick off is at 4.10pm BST.
(AP)
Harry Latham-Coyle27 June 2025 12:31