Best Boks v Barbarians: Electric Kolbe Makes It Rain

It was complete domination by the back-to-back world champions as they romped to their biggest-ever win over the famous invitational team in what was the first game between the sides on South African soil.

The hosts led 19-0 at halftime and ultimately outscored Robbie Deans’ men by eight tries to one. Known as one of rugby’s great innovators, Bok coach Rassie Erasmus sprung two surprises by bringing on all eight substitutes in the 45th minute and playing replacement centre Andre Esterhuizen at flank.

Overall, it was a classy display by the Boks, led by Jesse Kriel for the first time after Siya Kolisi was ruled out on the eve of the historic clash, and saw the men in Green and Gold clinch the Qatar Airlines Cup.

Our top three Springbok standouts were:

Cheslin Kolbe

A Barbarians game is all about entertainment and no one thrilled the crowd more than Kolbe, who was at his mesmeric best despite the torrid conditions.

The 2024 South African Player of the Year got onto the scoreboard early, when he beat Melvyn Jaminet to Aphelele Fassi’s grubber, and he showed his giant-slaying ways by making a memorable hit on Camille Chat. However, it was in the second half that the tiny wizard truly came alive and stole the show.  

Fassi 🤝 Kolbe

Cheslin doing what he does best in Green and Gold 🤩🔥

📺 Stream #BARvRSA on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/QloMW5AP1R

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 28, 2025

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— B (@hq_5_1_1) June 28, 2025

Lood de Jager

The most pleasing aspect of the game from a Bok perspective was the phenomenal return of De Jager.

Almost two years since his last Bok appearance – a physically and mentally challenging period in which he struggled with injuries – the veteran lock returned to the international arena and hit the ground running.  

The 32-year-old played with plenty of fire and his fingerprints were all over the game. His bustling work in general play underpinned the passion that fuelled his comeback and his dominance of the lineout, which included two steals, was a masterclass.

He was probably the clubhouse leader for the Man of the Match award at halftime and while he maintained his form in the second half and scored a try to cap off his performance, Kolbe edged him out for the individual honours.

Vincent Tshituka

One of four newcomers in the Bok matchday 23, Tshituka looked right at home with a classy all-round performance.

The industrious Congolese-born flanker carried the form that saw him earn the Sharks’ Player of the Year award over to his maiden international match and enjoyed a dream debut highlighted by a brace of tries, both from close quarters.

The 26-year-old was good on both sides of the ball, thumped Mark Tele’a with one of the hardest hits of the game and was a dependable third option in the lineouts.