Springboks Power Past Barbarians in Cape Town Showcase

The Springboks kicked off their 2025 international season in style with a convincing 54-7 victory over the Barbarians at a packed DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday, June 28, 2025.

Fast Start in Tough Conditions

Despite the rainy Cape Town weather, the Springboks quickly took control of the match. Their forward pack dominated early, leading to the opening try by hooker Malcolm Marx from a well-constructed rolling maul.

Speedster Cheslin Kolbe added to the scoreboard soon after, finishing a smart attacking move. Debutant Vincent Tshituka made a memorable impact, scoring two tries and showing the depth and future potential of the Springbok squad.

By halftime, the Springboks were comfortably ahead, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

Second-Half Fireworks

The second half saw the introduction of fresh players who continued to pile on the points. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Lood de Jager, and Damian de Allende all crossed the try line, as the Springboks stretched their lead and showcased their powerful bench.

The Barbarians, known for their attacking flair and festive spirit, fought hard but could only manage a single try through Melvyn Jaminet.

Celebration of Rugby

The fixture, though competitive, was played in good spirits, celebrating the traditions of both the Springboks and the Barbarians. Before kickoff, there was a special moment of remembrance for Cornal Hendricks, with the Barbarians presenting a jersey in his honor to his family.

The crowd of over 45,000 fans braved the rain and created a lively atmosphere, showing the strong rugby culture in South Africa.

Looking Ahead

While the Springboks were pleased with their dominant performance, their coaching team emphasized the need for further improvement ahead of their upcoming test series against Italy and Georgia.

Key Match Highlights:

• Tries Scored: M.Marx, C.Kolbe, V.Tshituka (2), J.H.Wessels, K.L.Arendse, L.De Jager, D.De Allende.
• Barbarians Try: Melvyn Jaminet.
• Final Score: South Africa 54 – 7 Barbarians.