Latest news with #BarbariansTest
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Six Boks who will want to make a big statement against Italy
From regulars to young bucks, six Springboks are in need of strong performances at Loftus on Saturday. Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg has another big chance to make the No 9 jersey his own this weekend. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images As the Springboks play their first of two Test matches against Italy at Loftus on Saturday (kick-off 5.10pm), we look at six players who will need to deliver strong performances. The match follows the Springboks' 54–7 win against the Barbarians last week and is the first competitive fixture of the season. The team sees outside centre Jesse Kriel become the 67th official captain of the Boks after Siya Kolisi's unavailability because of an injury. Damian Willemse The 27-year-old starts the game at fullback after Aphelele Fassi played the full match against the Barbarians. We gave Fassi an 8/10 in our player ratings for kicking brilliantly on the day last weekend. Two of his kicks into space led to tries, while he managed the high ball well. Willemse can kick well but is known more for his ball carrying and evasive runs. He will want to shine in these areas to remind the team and his coach of what he brings to the table. This will be his first outing since the 2023 World Cup final, following a 2024 season of injury setbacks. With so many quality No 15s around the battle is well and truly on to be the first-choice pick. Damian Willemse. Picture:Handré Pollard A stalwart in the Springbok squad, Pollard is still a dependable goal-kicker going into his 11th year of international rugby. The 31-year-old flyhalf also missed the Barbarians match last weekend and will want to follow on from the good performances by Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Manie Libbok, especially in front of the posts (Libbok slotted all five of his kicks). The competition for the No 10 Bok jersey is as intense as it's ever been. Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard. Picture: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images Morné van den Berg At 27, Van den Berg is the youngest scrumhalf in the squad. He was threatening in his runs and quick with the feed until he was substituted in the second half last week in Cape Town. Winning just his third Test cap, Van den Berg will want to continue to impress with the attacking play that made him shine for the Lions and earn his Springbok call-up. Faf de Klerk, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, and Jaden Hendrikse will all have eyes on the No 9 jersey. Jasper Wiese Though a regular in the side, Wiese finds himself in a battle for a place among the No 8s. Cameron Hanekom and Juarno Augustus are out injured, and Jean-Luc du Preez, who was selected for the Barbarians Test, is also recovering from a small knock to his head, so the sizeable Wiese returns to the starting XV while Kwagga Smith will resume his utility backup role from the bench. That while the much-talked-about Evan Roos waits on the sidelines for a poor performance that may result in his opportunity. Jasper Wiese. Picture: Hans van der Valk/Wilco Louw Nominated for the URC's SA Player of the Year Award, the 30-year-old tighthead has been in great form this season and gets a chance because the experienced Frans Malherbe is sidelined. The revival of his international career has coincided with his prodigious work in the scrums. But while Louw earned much recognition on the domestic front with the Bulls, he still needs to make a lasting impact for the Springboks, especially with tightheads Vincent Koch, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Thomas du Toit and Neethling Fouché in the background. Wilco Louw. Picture: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images Vincent Tshituka The Boks' only debutant of the day, 26-year-old Tshituka was applauded by coach Rassie Erasmus for his 'phenomenal' work rate during his 80-minute performance that included two tries against the Barbarians. Born in the DRC, Tshituka and his brother Emmanuel have spent years waiting to become eligible for the Springboks, delivering standout performances first for the Lions and now the Sharks — until now. The specialist blindside flanker grasped his opportunity with both hands last week, but will need to do so again in his first official Test on Saturday. Vincent Tshituka was excellent against the Barbarians last week and will make his first Test cap against Italy on Saturday. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The Citizen
20-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
X-factor fullbacks each bring something different to Springboks
Aphelele Fassi says the Springboks' three choice fullbacks work together but contribute differently to the side. Aphelele Fassi (right) says he has learned much from veteran Springbok Willie le Roux. Picture: Shaun Roy/While some notable players are missing from the revised 45-man Springbok squad for the early season, all three choice fullbacks are on the list and raring to go. Only Quan Horn has been released due to injury. Aphelele Fassi told the media that he, Willie le Roux and Damian Willemse are working hard in training ahead of their Barbarians Test on 28 June, before three July Tests against Italy and Georgia. While there is healthy competition for the number 15 spot, he said there hasn't been any animosity between the trio. Springboks back each other 'I don't think it's a rivalry. From what the coaches have been telling us, it's being able to build the squad in the right direction, being able to help each other week in and week out,' Fassi said. 'Damian and I have been helping each other with different areas of our game, being able to improve. And with the experience that Willie brings between me and Damian, it's vital for us.' The Springbok fullback said the aim was not to 'bash each other up' but rather lift each other's game. To that end, the players each have various strengths and can contribute differently. 'I think everyone has a different way of playing and we all have X-factor that we want to bring into the game. All we do is help each other and be able to understand what the game plan is and how we want to play as the Springboks, and how your individual X-factor can filter into the team.' Fassi said Le Roux, who now sits on 98 Test caps at 35 years of age, has much wisdom to pass on. 'In situations I don't see or don't know what to do, I feed off him. He's been a massive with me.' Fassi said he sat with Le Roux after training this week and asked him for help. 'The answers that he gave me are something that I really needed and something that builds me going into the season.' Fullbacks encouraged to play with freedom Fassi said the Springbok coaches, and especially assistant coach Tony Brown, have encouraged the backline to play with freedom within the team's game plan. 'You are not boxed up, and that is what we like. We've got players that have got X-factor: Damian [de Allende], Jesse [Kriel], Gaza [Damian Willemse]. To be able to box up those puts them away. 'We are just happy to be able to play the rugby that one knows that they can play, but also that is within the structures.'
