The Springboks will face the Barbarians for the first time in South Africa when the teams collide at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday, 28 June.

Former All Black Robbie Deans, who coached the Crusaders and Wallabies, will coach the invitational team that will consist of players who ply their trade in the United Rugby Championship, Top 14, Premiership, Super Rugby, and Japan Rugby League One.

It will be the ninth meeting between the two sides and the first since 5 November 2016, when the teams played to a 31-31 draw at Wembley Stadium in London.

Rassie on facing the Barbarians

Since the first clash between the sides in 1952, the Barbarians have won four games and the Springboks three, to add to the draw nine years ago. The Boks’ last victory over the Barbarians was on 10 December 2000 in Cardiff, by 41-31.

“It’s always exciting to face the BaaBaas, and this match will be particularly special as it marks the first time that we will face them in South Africa,” said Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus.

“For us this will be the perfect opportunity to get the players match-ready for the official international season, which starts a week later.

“With a big squad one can simulate a match situation, but there is nothing like a proper international with the full build-up and the pressure to get the players battle ready, so this is a great occasion for us.

“With the Barbarians team featuring players from across the world, they are tough to analyse, so the key for us will be to focus on our structures and what we want to achieve on the field.”

Deans, who will be assisted by Patrice Collazo (Racing 92, France), Atsushi Kanazawa (Saitama Wild Knights, Japan) and former All Black lock Sam Whitelock, said: “It is exciting news to have the iconic Barbarians announced to play against the World Champion Springboks in Cape Town in late June – these are two of the biggest brands in the game.

“The last occasion these two teams met at Wembley resulted in a draw. The Springboks have achieved a lot since that day, this will be an altogether different challenge on-site in South Africa.

“We are hopeful of putting together a combination that will provide the sort of spectacle that the occasion deserves.”

Erasmus added: “We may have had a satisfying 2024 season, but this is a new year and a fresh challenge, and we’d like to start strong and build momentum as the season progresses.

“We have a tough year ahead, and the Barbarians, who are usually laden with seasoned internationals, will provide the perfect test before the Castle Lager Incoming Series.”

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Springbok home fixtures 2025:

28 June: Barbarians v Springboks – DHL Stadium, Cape Town
5 July: Springboks v Italy – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
12 July: Springboks v Italy – Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha
19 July: Springboks v Georgia – Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
16 August: Springboks v Australia – Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
23 August: Springboks v Australia – DHL Stadium, Cape Town
27 September: Springboks v Argentina – Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban

READ MORE: Springboks home fixtures confirmed as Rassie Erasmus’ men return to Gqeberha

Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/springboks-to-face-ex-all-blacks-coached-barbarians-in-historic-cape-town-clash