Cape Town is in for a rugby treat of epic proportions. When the Barbarians take on the Springboks at the end of June in the Qatar Airways Cup, it will mark the first time these two storied teams face off on South African soil. And if the first five names confirmed in the BaaBaas squad are anything to go by, this encounter promises fireworks.
A staggering 522 combined test caps have already been confirmed—and that’s just from the first five players! Barbarians head coach Robbie Deans has pulled no punches with his early selections, roping in some of the most experienced and decorated players in world rugby.
Leading the charge are two All Black bruisers who squared off against the Boks in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final—Sam Cane and Shannon Frizell. Cane, the former New Zealand captain, boasts 104 caps, while Frizell brings 33 to the table. Their reunion with the Springboks on South African turf adds another layer of intrigue to this already mouthwatering clash.
Joining the Kiwi duo are three Irish legends—Cian Healy, Conor Murray, and Peter O’Mahony—all of whom have over 100 test caps and were pivotal to Ireland’s recent Six Nations dominance. Healy has 137 caps, Murray clocks in with 125 for Ireland and eight more for the British & Irish Lions, and O’Mahony has 114 for Ireland, plus a Lions appearance.
The Barbarians’ trademark flair will now be bolstered by veteran leadership, grit, and a deep well of test experience. This is not just another exhibition match—it’s a rare, high-stakes encounter that will serve as a key test for both squads.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made it clear that this fixture is no sideshow. With matches against Italy and Georgia lined up for July, and the 2027 Rugby World Cup pool draw looming at the end of the year, every match counts. The Boks will be targeting a climb in the world rankings to secure a favourable seed come December.
One thing is certain: the Qatar Airways Cup in Cape Town won’t just be a spectacle—it will be a significant moment in South Africa’s 2025 rugby calendar. Miss it at your peril.
