Springboks Open 2025 Season With 54-7 Win Over Barbarians in Cape Town

The Springboks launched their 2025 rugby season with a commanding 54-7 victory over the Barbarians at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, maintaining their top spot in the World Rugby Rankings. Despite the win, no ranking points were gained as the Barbarians are not a test nation. The match, which saw four debutants including Vincent Tshituka who scored a try, was a key step in building squad depth and balancing youth with experience ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Jesse Kriel captained the Springboks in place of the injured Siya Kolisi, while the Barbarians were led by former Ireland flanker Peter O’Mahony. The Springboks' performance demonstrated strong momentum and continuity under coach Rassie Erasmus, setting a positive tone for their upcoming fixtures. The game was also notable for showcasing emerging talent and providing valuable game time to players like Morne van den Berg and Jean-Luc Du Preez.