Following months of inactivity, the Springboks are all ready and set to go for their first match of the 2025 season when they face the Barbarians on Saturday in Cape Town for the Qatar Airways Cup clash before lining up for back-to-back Tests against Italy.
The rugby world champions will first host the Italians in Pretoria (July 5) and in Gqeberhaa week later. The Boks will then wrap up the Castle Lager Incoming Series against
Georgia in Nelspruit on July 19.
Boks coach Rassie Erasmus has since expressed his satisfaction with the team’s preparations, having started camp two weeks ago.
“We are well on track with our preparations for the Barbarians game,” said Erasmus during a press conference in Hyde Park this past week.
“Some of the players are making a strong return from injury, and we’ve now had time for the players to settle back into our setup from their franchises and clubs.
“Some of the players had fitness tests this week and have been involved in team meetings and been exposed to the way we want to do things on the field after the two alignment camps earlier in the year.
“So we are confident we’ll all be back on the same page going forward.”
Erasmus also briefly weighed in on the Italy and Georgia clashes, saying that the two sides will pose different challenges from what the Barbarians will bring.
“Italy will obviously pose a different challenge. They did well in their first two Six
Nations matches, but they are a team that we can analyse, although we will certainly not underestimate them.
“I’ve seen them beat us before, so it will be an important two matches against them. Georgia is also a challenging team on a good day, so the key for us will be to drive our own standards,” Erasmus added.
Captain Siya Kolisi, who has since been confirmed that he will remain in the number six position for the Boks this season by Erasmus, also said he was excited to be back in camp.
“We are excited about the season ahead and being back in camp,” said Kolisi.
