The Springboks opened their 2025 campaign in dominant fashion, crushing the Barbarians 54-7 in a wet but electric Cape Town Stadium.
In their first-ever home clash against the invitational side, the world champion Springboks delivered a dominant performance built on forward power, tactical precision, and moments of flair.
South Africa scored thrice before half-time and pulled away with five second-half tries, outscoring the visitors eight tries to one. Debutant Vincent Tshituka crossed twice, while a mix of experienced stars and fresh faces helped the hosts record their biggest-ever margin over the Barbarians.
The result offered early momentum ahead of a busy Test season and secured the Qatar Airways Cup in emphatic fashion.
Tshituka Shines On Debut With Two Tries
Tshituka made a dream debut for South Africa, scoring twice as the Springboks controlled both halves with ruthless efficiency. His first try came just before half-time, powering over after a rolling maul that highlighted the Boks’ forward dominance early on.
Tshituka’s second came late in the game, finishing under the posts after Lood de Jager’s surging break and smart support play. The Springboks led 19-0 at halftime, and the crowd roared as they turned the screws with five more tries after the break.
Kolbe, Marx And Esterhuizen Deliver Key Moments
Malcolm Marx opened the scoring from a driving maul, setting the tone with the kind of powerful finish fans have come to expect. Cheslin Kolbe dazzled on his return, sprinting onto a pinpoint grubber from Aphelele Fassi to score in the right-hand corner.
Andre Esterhuizen took on a hybrid role, playing as a loose forward and even jumping in lineouts to disrupt the Barbarians’ setup. His versatility impressed coaches and fans alike, adding another weapon to the Boks’ increasingly innovative tactical approach this season.
Erasmus Unleashes The Springboks’ Bench To Devastating Effect
Head coach Rassie Erasmus emptied the bench shortly after halftime, calling on his famed “Bomb Squad” to ramp up the intensity. Prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels made an immediate impact, barging over to score the Boks’ fourth try and opening the second-half floodgates.
Manie Libbok replaced Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at flyhalf and converted all five second-half tries with unerring accuracy off the tee. Feinberg-Mngomezulu had earlier shown flashes of brilliance, including a sharp dummy that flummoxed Barbarians captain Peter O’Mahony.
Barbarians Crumble Under Pressure And Poor Discipline
The Barbarians struggled to keep pace, with their only try coming from Melvyn Jaminet after a brief attacking spell on the left wing. Jaminet converted his own try, but it proved a rare highlight for a side that failed to cope with South Africa’s physicality.
Lachlan Boshier was shown a yellow card for a high tackle on Kurt-Lee Arendse, who soon scored after a slick attacking sequence. De Allende added the final blow after the hooter, taking a well-timed pass and crossing to bring up South Africa’s 50-point mark.
Momentum Builds Ahead Of Incoming Test Series For Springboks
Saturday’s win marked South Africa’s biggest-ever margin over the Barbarians, improving their record to four wins and a draw in nine meetings.
The victory not only saw them retain the Qatar Airways Cup, helped build strong momentum ahead of the July Incoming Test Series.
The Boks face Italy at Loftus Versfeld next Saturday, followed by another Test in Gqeberha and a final clash with Georgia in Nelspruit.
