Overview
- The Springboks defeated the Barbarians 80-31 in Gqeberha on Saturday, June 20, scoring 12 tries including an Edwill van der Merwe hat-trick.
- Franco Mostert limped off with an ankle problem and is scheduled for scans, with coach Rassie Erasmus calling the injury a genuine worry.
- Erasmus named internal cover at lock — Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Ruan Nortje and Cobus Wiese — while noting availability will depend on URC results.
- The match was used to test fringe and uncapped players: 20-year-old Riley Norton played a full game and Quan Horn impressed directing play at flyhalf.
- Coaches must now balance the chance to fast-track talent with short-term experience needs, as the Nations Championship opener against England is about two weeks away.