Springboks Dominate Barbarians in Cape Town Test Victory
The Springboks kicked off their 2025 Test season in impressive style, donning a fresh kit to achieve a stunning 54-7 triumph over the Barbarians at DHL Stadium on a chilly, rainy Saturday.
This day will always hold significance for Vincent Tshituka, who celebrated his debut by scoring two tries. This resounding victory also marked the end of the Springboks’ winless stretch against the Barbarians, a streak that had lasted since 2000.
Squad Adjustments and Dominance in the First Half
The starting lineup also welcomed back lock Lood de Jager, who had missed the 2023 Rugby World Cup due to injuries and illness. Additionally, Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye made his debut, joining Malcolm Marx and Ox Nche in the front row.
The formidable Springbok pack swiftly applied pressure on the Barbarians. Following an early clearance attempt by Aphelele Fassi that led to a knock-on by Josh Jacomb, the Springboks executed a powerful driving maul from the ensuing lineout, allowing Malcolm Marx to score the first try in the sixth minute.
The second try came when Fassi delivered an outstanding pass, cutting through the defense to assist Cheslin Kolbe, who finished strongly in the corner. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu converted, redeeming himself for a previous miss on Marx’s conversion. The Barbarians struggled to gain ground or possession, consistently thwarted by the Springboks’ steadfast defense, compounded by set piece errors and unforced mistakes.
Tshituka, on his debut, scored the third try in the 24th minute, extending the lead to 19-0 following Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s conversion. While the Barbarians displayed some attacking potential through Mark Telea and Melvyn Jaminet, the Springboks’ intense defense repeatedly shut them down. As the first half approached its conclusion, the pace slowed with the Springboks firmly in control at 19-0.
Second Half Action and Scoring Spree
Despite the slippery conditions, the Barbarians encountered continuous pressure in the second half. Jacomb managed a break but, lacking support, misplayed a pass that allowed the Springboks to clear the threat.
In the 45th minute, the Springboks unleashed their renowned “Bomb Squad,” bringing on six new players. This tactical move quickly reaped rewards as Jan-Hendrik Wessels regained possession and dove across the line, with substitute Manie Libbok converting.
The situation worsened for the Barbarians when Lachlan Boshier received a yellow card for a high tackle on Kurt-Lee Arendse. The Springboks seized the opportunity, with Damian de Allende finding space to deliver a precise kick that set up Arendse for the team’s fourth try. Kolbe demonstrated his aerial skills, and even after an initial attack was halted, de Jager added a fifth try to the scoreboard.
Just when it appeared the Barbarians might leave scoreless, Jaminet escaped Kolbe’s tackle to score their lone try, converting it himself. Nonetheless, Kolbe continued to dazzle with his agility and footwork. Tshituka capped off his stellar debut with a second try, pushing the Springboks’ lead to a commanding 47-7.
With ten minutes remaining, the Springboks showed no signs of slowing down. Kolbe, still active, bedeviled the Barbarians with his dynamic play, justifying his recognition as SA Rugby Player of the Year for 2024. De Allende ensured the score surpassed the 50-point mark with another try, and Libbok sealed the comprehensive victory with the final conversion.
Image credit: Steve Haag Sports
