South Africa v Barbarians Preview And Prediction

It’s a most exciting start to the back-to-back world champions’ 2025 campaign as they take on the famous invitational team for the first time on South African soil, with the Qatar Airlines Cup on the line. It’s been 20 years since South Africa beat the BaaBaas, with the men in Green and Gold triumphing 41-31 in Cardiff.

The history between the sides stretches all the way back to 1952. In all, the Barbarians have won four of the eight meetings between the teams, with the Springboks picking up three victories. The most recent outing between the two sides was an epic 31-all draw at Wembley back in 2016.

For Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, the clash presents an opportunity to blood new players, reintegrate some, give more international experience to others and start the year on a high ahead of the July internationals, which will see South Africa play two Tests against Italy and a one-off match against Georgia. 
 
With the BaaBaas known for their attacking mindset, it’s a chance for Mzansi’s finest to express themselves whilst sticking to a general outline of structure. That will be important for the Boks, to nail their set pieces and defensive targets and not just get sucked into a shootout.
 
Yes, the name of this game is entertainment, but the hosts will gain little from the contest if they throw the ball around willy-nilly. Certain boxes will need to be ticked, including introducing the eclectic crew of stars from across the world to typical Bok physicality and intensity.
 
Robbie Deans has assembled a quality side headlined by a trio of Test centurions in Ireland duo Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray and All Blacks flank Sam Cane, all three of whom will make their BaaBaas debut. For these players, the honour of representing the iconic club, the camaraderie they’ve built this week and the lack of pressure will fuel them to throw everything at the Boks.
 
Erasmus and his assistant coaches are renowned for their technical analysis of the opposition. In this unique case, they’re left having to expect the unexpected. As a result, their focus will be on themselves and their processes. The visitors, in turn, will brace themselves for the famous power and grunt of a fired-up Bok team playing in front of their people.
 
All told, this should be an entertaining encounter in which the structures and muscle of the Boks propel them to a comfortable win to get up and running.
 
Prediction: South Africa by 16.