Month: June 2026

Jaco Williams and Zekhethelo Siyaya will feature on the wing for the A Team against Zimbabwe. Old head Lukhanyo Am will feature in the back line next to all the youngsters. Phepsi Buthelezi and Emmanuel Tshituka joins Bathobele Hlekani in the back row, while Vincent Tshituka will captain the team from the lock position. Hanro Jacobs and Jurenzo Julius should feature later in the game.

I have no idea what the quality of the Zimbabwean team is like although they have qualified for the 2027 World Cup. Given that most of these A team players (even 18 year old Markus Muller and Zekhethelo Siyaya) have experience in the URC / Champions Cup one should expect the SA A team to dominate this game.

Rassie keeps making unexpected selections – this time Quan Horn will feature at 10 for the Boks against the Barbarians. Good to see Aphelele Fassi back at 15 with Andre Esterhuizen and Jesse Kriel forming a strong running and tackling pair in midfield. The pack is generally very experienced with two rookies in Andre-Hugo Venter and Riley Norton. Also glad to see Vusi Moyo on the bench. Cheslin Kolbe will be the designated place kicker in the team.

The Barbarians have selected some quality players such as Kellaway, van der Merwe, Albornoz, Perenara and Petty.