Boks expecting front-foot approach from Barbarians in season opener

Eyewitness News

26-06-2025

CAPE TOWN - The Springboks are expecting a front-foot approach from the Barbarians in their season opener at DHL Stadium on Saturday.
Aphelele Fassi explained how the Boks will look to express themselves while staying within the coaching structures.
"It will be a Test match level approach, that's what it's been the whole week. The freedom that the coaches give us is immense and I'll focus on what I'll have to deliver on Saturday and within the structure of the team."
The Bok fullback spoke about the influence that players like Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse have on his performance.
"It's fantastic to play with those two players, they're world-class. I learn a lot from them in terms of communication and what they like and what they need, building a good relationship with them and I'm just excited to see what we can deliver on Saturday."
Fassi had this to say when asked if the wet conditions in the Cape would impact their approach.
"For us, it's not different to how we're approaching the game, maybe for them it's quite different because they're an entertaining team to entertain the Cape Town fans but for us, we're going to implement our physical game onto them and how we want to play, so I think the weather, for us, doesn't really play a role."
Jean-Luc du Preez admitted that he was delighted to be back in the green and gold.
"The Springboks were always in the back of my mind. I always used to tell myself to play well for the club and hopefully, something comes from it to be given this opportunity again. I'm delighted."
The Bok loose forward feels certain that players will elevate their performance to prove a point to the world champions.
"As Fassi said, they're an expansive team and liek to put on a display for the crowd but I think the likes of Shannon Frizell and Sam Cane and those boys, they're going to be coming hard and will want to prove themselves against the Boks and that's where we'll need to front up on Saturday and hopefully we do that."
Du Preez expects the New Zealand players to have an extra edge due to what happened in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final.
"I definitely think they'll have that in the back of their minds, as I said, just to prove a point. I think just playing against the Springboks, you'll be up for it. It should be a good match-up."
Du Preez also expressed what it means to be back in the Springbok setup.
"For me, coming in and out of the Boks setup, it's been tough the last few years and I just to try and use this opportunity as best as I can and just do my job on Saturday really. That's it."