The South African national rugby team, the Springboks, have included four newcomer players in their matchday 23 for an exhibition game against the Barbarians this Saturday in Cape Town.
Among them is the formidable 150-kilogramme prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye, who will start due to a long-term injury to first-choice tighthead Frans Malherbe.
Coach Rassie Erasmus selected Ntlabakanye, from the Johannesburg-based Lions, for the starting lineup.
The other uncapped starter is Vincent Tshituka, a Sharks flanker originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
On the bench, two more uncapped players will feature: hooker Marnus van der Merwe from Welsh club the Scarlets and tighthead prop Neethling Fouche.
Erasmus expressed confidence in the new call-ups, noting they “have all slotted into our systems well and have a good understanding of what we want to do in this match.”
He added that the game provides a “fantastic opportunity to see how they measure up against a handful of experienced players in the Barbarians team,” emphasising that while it’s not an official Test, the Springboks are treating it as such to set a positive tone for the season.
Other notable inclusions are Japan-based lock Lood de Jager, who missed the 2023 Rugby World Cup due to illness and will partner Jean Kleyn.
Also returning after a long absence is Sale Sharks eighthman Jean-Luc du Preez, who joins Tshituka and captain Siya Kolisi in the back row.
This season opener for the world champions at Cape Town Stadium will precede a schedule of 13 official Tests this year, beginning with a match against Italy in Pretoria on July 5.
South Africa Team (15-1): Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Morne van den Berg, Jean-Luc du Preez, Vincent Tshituka, Siya Kolisi (capt.), Lood de Jager, Jean Kleyn, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Malcolm Marx, and Ox Nche.
Replacements: Marnus van der Merwe, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Neethling Fouche, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, Manie Libbok, and Andre Esterhuizen.
Coach: Rassie Erasmus (RSA).
