{"id":1193,"date":"2025-06-20T13:26:45","date_gmt":"2025-06-20T11:26:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theloosehead.co.za\/?p=1193"},"modified":"2025-06-20T14:41:25","modified_gmt":"2025-06-20T12:41:25","slug":"springboks-barbarians-2025-squad-prediction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theloosehead.co.za\/?p=1193","title":{"rendered":"Springboks Barbarians 2025 Squad Prediction"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With the Barbarians clash just around the corner, it’s the perfect time for a bit of rugby speculation \u2014 and let\u2019s be honest, there\u2019s nothing we fans love more than trying to read Rassie Erasmus\u2019s mind. In today\u2019s column, I\u2019m breaking down who I think Rassie will<\/em> pick for the Springboks’ starting 23\u2026 and who I\u2019d<\/em> pick if I had the whistle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Who Rassie Might Pick<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to the front row, I expect Rassie to keep things traditional and powerful. Ox Nch\u00e9, Bongi Mbonambi, and Wilco Louw should form the engine room up front. They\u2019ve all done the job before, and I don\u2019t see any reason Rassie would change it up now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At lock, expect the ever-reliable pairing of Eben Etzebeth and Franco Mostert. Their experience and chemistry are undeniable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the flanks, Siya Kolisi will naturally lead the team as captain, and I believe Vincent Tshituka will join him. At No. 8, Jasper Wiese seems the logical choice, rounding out a forward pack that blends brute strength and leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My predicted halfback pairing? Faf de Klerk and Handr\u00e9 Pollard. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is an exciting option, but I suspect Rassie will go with the experienced Pollard for a high-profile game like this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The midfield should feature the tried-and-tested Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel, while the electric duo of Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse will almost certainly patrol the wings. At fullback, I see Aphelele Fassi getting the nod \u2014 a reward for a standout season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bench-wise<\/strong>, I predict:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Front row<\/strong>: Malcolm Marx, Thomas du Toit, and Neethling Fouch\u00e9<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Locks<\/strong>: Cobus Wiese and RG Snyman (fresh off a URC Player of the Season award)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Loose forward<\/strong>: Kwagga Smith<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Backline<\/strong>: Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    This gives Rassie his classic 6-2 bench split \u2014 something he rarely deviates from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    My Ideal Starting XV<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Now for the fun part \u2014 my dream 23<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Up front, I\u2019d start with Ox Nch\u00e9 and Wilco Louw, but I\u2019d go with Malcolm Marx<\/strong> at hooker. I\u2019m a big fan of his power and presence around the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    At lock, I\u2019d pick Eben Etzebeth and Ruan Nortj\u00e9<\/strong>. Nortj\u00e9\u2019s been consistent and energetic all season \u2014 I\u2019d love to see him get a chance alongside a stalwart like Eben. If Eben is rested, Cobus Wiese would be my next pick \u2014 he\u2019s had an incredible season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    My loose trio mirrors Rassie\u2019s \u2014 Siya Kolisi, Vincent Tshituka, and Jasper Wiese. All three bring a unique edge and play with intensity that lifts the team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Faf and Pollard remain my halfback duo, and on the wings, it\u2019s still Kolbe and Arendse \u2014 because who else brings that spark?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In the centers, I\u2019d love to see Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Ethan Hooker<\/strong>. This match is a perfect chance to expose younger players to the intensity of a Barbarians-style game. Sasha at 12 and Ethan at 13 could be electric. Alternatively, Sasha could play at 10 with Pollard inside \u2014 both options are exciting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    At fullback, Aphelele Fassi<\/strong> keeps his spot in my book \u2014 composed under pressure, great in the air, and confident with ball in hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    My bench:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Front row<\/strong>: Marnus van der Merwe, Thomas du Toit, Neethling Fouch\u00e9<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Locks<\/strong>: Cobus Wiese, RG Snyman<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Loose forward<\/strong>: Kwagga Smith \u2014 versatile, dynamic, and always brings something special<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Backs<\/strong>: Grant Williams and Jesse Kriel. Grant brings speed and energy, while Jesse adds stability and experience to close out tight games.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      \n\n\n\n

      Final Whistle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Whether Rassie goes with my predictions or not, the Barbarians game is a rare gem \u2014 a moment to experiment, blood young talent, and build momentum toward the next big season. While I believe we\u2019ll see a mostly experienced lineup, I\u2019m hoping for a few brave surprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Let me know what your<\/em> 23 would look like \u2014 and until the next piece, keep the gees alive and the braai burning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      RASSIE’S PREDICTED 23<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Starting XV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. Ox Nch\u00e9<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Bongi Mbonambi<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Wilco Louw<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. Eben Etzebeth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      5. Franco Mostert<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      6. Siya Kolisi (captain)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      7. Vincent Tshituka<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      8. Jasper Wiese<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      9. Faf de Klerk<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      10. Handr\u00e9 Pollard<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      11. Kurt-Lee Arendse<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      12. Damian de Allende<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      13. Jesse Kriel<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      14. Cheslin Kolbe<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      15. Aphelele Fassi<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Replacements (Bench)<\/strong>
        16. Malcolm Marx
        17. Thomas du Toit
        18. Neethling Fouch\u00e9
        19. RG Snyman
        20. Cobus Wiese
        21. Kwagga Smith
        22. Cobus Reinach
        23. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        MY DREAM SPRINGBOK 23<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Starting XV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        1. Ox Nch\u00e9<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Malcolm Marx<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. Wilco Louw<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        4. Eben Etzebeth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        5. Ruan Nortj\u00e9 <\/li>\n\n\n\n
        6. Siya Kolisi (captain)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        7. Vincent Tshituka<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        8. Jasper Wiese<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        9. Faf de Klerk<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        10. Handr\u00e9 Pollard <\/li>\n\n\n\n
        11. Kurt-Lee Arendse<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        12. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        13. Ethan Hooker<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        14. Cheslin Kolbe<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        15. Aphelele Fassi<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Replacements (Bench)<\/strong>
          16. Marnus van der Merwe
          17. Thomas du Toit
          18. Neethling Fouch\u00e9
          19. Cobus Wiese
          20. RG Snyman
          21. Kwagga Smith
          22. Grant Williams
          23. Jesse Kriel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n