Bhobokhoko coach, Rassie Erasmus, and SA ‘A’ Mzwandile Stick, have included a number of young players in their squads that will open the season of international matches on Saturday.
The SA ‘A’ squad will face Zimbabwe at 12 noon at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha, before the Bobokhokos face the Barbarians at the same stadium at 3 pm.
The Bhobokhoko will be led by Siya Kolisi, partnered with other experienced players including Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Andre Esterhuizen, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese.
These players are expected to support those who will be playing for the first time at this level, including Junior Bokke captain Riley Norton, Carlu Sadie, JJ Kotze, Paul de Villiers and Vusi Moyo.
Erasmus is waiting to see how these young players will enter the big national team in this game that will play against a team made up of people from different countries.
“We said that we want to give a few players coming back from injury and others who were playing abroad opportunities in this game, and we also give our young players the opportunity to play at a high level. I think the way we have recruited the squad shows that,” said Erasmus.
Meanwhile, the SA ‘A’ team, which includes players who have almost entered the Bhobokhoko, and those who have been in and left out, will be led by Vincent Tshituka, along with players who have played in the national team such as Lukhanyo Am, Phendulani ‘Phepsi’ Buthelezi, Boan Venter and Neethling Fouche.
It will also involve hot young players including Luan Giliomee, Jaco Williams, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Yaqeen Ahmed and Haashim Pead.
The coach, Stick, believes that playing against the great Zimbabwean national team that will play in the World Cup will increase the country’s players.
“I am looking forward to seeing what this group of players can do when compared to a determined Zimbabwean team, who will be using this game to prepare for the World Cup. Our young players did well last week, and it is clear that they are looking forward to getting on the field,” said Stick.
A group of Springboks to face the Barbarians
Abazazala: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Quan Horn, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Riley Norton, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Andre-Hugo Venter, 1 Ox Nche.
Ebhentshini: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Paul de Villiers, 21 Evan Roos, 22 Faf de Klerk, 23 Vusi Moyo.
SA ‘A’ team to face Zimbabwe:
Starters: 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Jaco Williams, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Haashim Pead, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Bathobele Hlekani, 6 Emmanuel Tshituka, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Vincent Tshituka (captain), 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Boan Venter.
Ebhentshini: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Adre Smith, 20 Siba Mahashe, 21 Nico Steyn, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Jurenzo Julius.