Rugby Springboks vs Barbarians

History will be made in Cape Town this June when the world-renowned Barbarians men's team steps onto South African soil for the first time. The legendary invitational side will face the world champions, South Africa, at the DHL Stadium on June 28th. What makes this moment even more electric is that it's not just any match—it's a clash of two titans in the rugby world. The Barbarians will be led by seasoned coach Robbie Deans, alongside a powerhouse coaching team that includes Patrice Collazo, Atsushi Kanazawa, and former All Black Sam Whitelock.
As the Barbarians gear up for this monumental showdown, fans can look forward to a lineup featuring players from top leagues across the globe, including the French Top 14, the English Premiership, the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, Super Rugby, and Japan’s league. The excitement is palpable, as this will be the first time these historic teams have faced off in South Africa, making the upcoming encounter a piece of rugby history.
This match will add to the storied rivalry between the two teams, a connection that stretches over 70 years. The last time they met, in 2016 at Wembley, the game ended in an unforgettable 31-31 draw. Now, with South Africa's World Cup-winning side set to defend their honor at home, the stakes couldn't be higher. Barbarians FC President John Spencer expressed the pride the team feels in playing against the Springboks, especially on their home turf. "To face them as world champions will be a special moment," he said, knowing that the Cape Town crowd will be as passionate and knowledgeable as ever.
Coach Rassie Erasmus of the Springboks couldn’t agree more. For his team, the match against the Barbarians will be the perfect warm-up for the Castle Lager Incoming Series, which kicks off the following month. It’s not just any pre-season match—it's a chance for his squad to face off against some of the best players from around the world, each with their own unique style of play. "The Barbarians are always tough to analyze," said Erasmus. "But this match will help us get into full match mode before the international season begins."
With the Boks and the Barbarians locking horns once again, Cape Town is set to witness an unforgettable rugby spectacle.