Hanro Liebenberg will guide a squad largely composed of South African players for the Barbarians’ match against the All Blacks XV at the Gtech Community Stadium in London this Saturday.
The Leicester Tigers captain will lead a team heavily influenced by Springbok talent — with eleven South Africans in the starting lineup — as head coach Pat Lam announces 17 players who will be making their debut for the renowned invitational club.
Two-time World Cup champion Bongi Mbonambi is set to play between Oli Kebble and Asenathi Ntlabakanye in a robust front row.
Ntlabakanye’s selection presents an intriguing scenario. The tighthead prop is currently subject to an investigation following a ‘concerning finding’ in a doping test during the summer months and was temporarily removed from the Springboks squad to address these allegations.
Despite the ongoing allegations, Ntlabakanye has continued to play for the Lions in the URC.
Elsewhere, Sale Sharks’ Ernest van Rhyn will partner with Stormers powerhouse Ruben van Heerden in the second row.
Liebenberg will feature in a strong back row together with Bristol’s Fitz Harding and Springbok No.8 Evan Roos.
At the half-back positions, Dragons scrum-half Rhodri Williams is set to make his third appearance for the Barbarians, teaming up with Sale’s Rob du Preez, who will be playing for the sixth time in the black and white jersey.
Bristol teammates Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Matias Moroni will pair up in the midfield, with former England international Max Malins at full-back, complemented by the dynamic duo of Werner Kok and Leolin Zas on the wings.
“It’s been a fantastic week with a considerable number of players experiencing the Barbarians for the first time,” said Lam. “We’ve relished each other’s company and the Barbarian spirit, and our focus is now firmly set on Saturday.
“The All Blacks XV will pose a significant challenge, boasting a host of high-caliber players, but our main task is to unite as a team to compete against them. We’re all eager to see the boys have that opportunity — the weekend will be a celebration of our time together this week.”
The bench also features notable talent, including Stormers hooker Andre-Hugo Venter, his club colleague Alistair Vermaak, and Connacht’s Jack Aungier providing cover for the front row. Cobus Wiese and promising South African talent Batho Hlekani offer additional strength, while All Blacks scrum-half Brad Weber, Stormers centre Dan du Plessis, and Benetton’s Rhyno Smith bring further skill to the squad.
Tickets are still being sold by Ticketmaster.
Springboks:
1. Oli Kebble
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Asenathi Ntlabakanye
4.Ernest van Ryhn
5.Ruben van Heerden
6.Hanro Liebenberg (capt)
7. Fitz Harding
8.Evan Roos
9. Rhodri Williams
10. Rob du Preez
11. Leolin Zas
12. Benhard Janse van Rensburg
13. Matias Moroni
14. Werner Kok
15. Max Malins
Replacements:
16. Andre-Hugo Venter
17. Alistair Vermaak
18. Jack Aungier
19. Cobus Wiese
20. Batho Hlekani
21. Brad Webber
22. Dan du Plessis
23. Rhyno Smith
