KNYSNA NEWS - Asenathi Ntlabakanye, originally from Plettenberg Bay, is set to make his long-awaited Springbok debut this weekend.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus has named the powerful front-rower in the starting XV at tighthead prop (No. 3) for the highly anticipated clash against the Barbarians.
The match takes place at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 17:00.
Known for strength
Standing 1.83 metres tall and weighing 153kg, Ntlabakanye is known for his sheer strength, low centre of gravity, and formidable scrummaging ability.
He currently represents the Lions in the United Rugby Championship and the Golden Lions in the Currie Cup.
His selection is a proud moment for Plettenberg Bay and a major milestone in his steadily rising rugby career. While the match will not carry official test cap status due to the Barbarians being a composite invitational side, it remains a significant milestone in Ntlabakanye's rising rugby career.
Who are the Barbarians?
The Barbarians, based in Britain, is famous for its tradition-rich, entertaining style of rugby and its black-and-white hooped jerseys.
Players invited to join the Barbarians retain their club socks, and the squad typically features at least one uncapped player in each match. Since 2011, players from over 31 nations have represented the team.
New combinations
The Springboks will use this fixture to trial new combinations and build squad depth ahead of the upcoming international season. With his physical presence and potential, Ntlabakanye is one to watch as he steps onto the test stage for the first time.
The clash against the Barbarians will be followed by two tests against Italy (on 5 and 12 July), in Pretoria and Gqeberha respectively, and against Georgia in Nelspruit on 19 July in the Castle Lager Incoming Series.
Springbok team to face the Barbarians in Cape Town:
15 Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 11 caps, 35 points (7t)
14 Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath) – 40 caps, 111 points (18t, 3c, 5p)
13 Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 79 caps, 90 points (18t)
12 Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 87 caps, 55 points (11t)
11 Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls) – 24 caps, 90 points (18t)
10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers) – 8 caps, 52 points (14c, 8p)
9 Morne van den Berg (Emirates Lions) – 2 caps, 0 points
8 Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks) – 14 caps 10 points (2t)
7 Vincent Tshituka (Hollywoodbets Sharks) - uncapped
6 Siya Kolisi (captain, Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 92 caps, 60 points (12t)
5 Lood de Jager (Wild Knights) – 66 caps, 25 points (5t)
4 Jean Kleyn (Munster) – 7 caps, 0 points
3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Emirates Lions) – uncapped
2 Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 76 caps, 105 points (21t)
1 Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 39 caps, 0 points
Replacements:
16 Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets) - uncapped
17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls) – 3 caps, 5 points (1t)
18 Neethling Fouche (DHL Stormers) - uncapped
19 Franco Mostert (Honda Heat) – 78 caps, 20 points (4t)
20 Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) – 51 caps, 45 points (9t)
21 Cobus Reinach (Montpellier) – 39 caps, 70 pts (14t)
22 Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers) – 19 caps, 98 pts (1t, 30c, 11p)
23 Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 19 caps, 0 points
Springboks' record against the Barbarians:
Played 8, won 3; lost 4; drawn 1. Points for: 150; points against: 154; Tries scored 23; tries conceded 29; Highest score: 41; Biggest win 14 points. Win % 38%.
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Plett’s own Ntlabakanye to debut for Springboks | Knysna-Plett Herald
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