Barbarians announce Springbok-heavy squad to face All Blacks XV

Leicester Tigers’ Hanro Liebenberg will captain the invitational side, leading a starting XV that features ten South Africans. Sale Sharks duo Ernst van Rhyn and Rob du Preez are also included, bringing experience and firepower to the team.

Head coach Pat Lam has selected 17 players making their Barbarians debut, highlighting the blend of fresh talent and seasoned campaigners.

Two-time World Cup winner Bongi Mbonambi anchors the front row alongside Oli Kebble and Asenathi Ntlabakanye, while van Rhyn partners Springbok powerhouse Ruben van Heerden in the second row.

The back row promises dynamism with Liebenberg flanked by Bristol Bears captain Fitz Harding and Springbok number eight Evan Roos.

At half-back, Dragons scrum-half Rhodri Williams earns his third Barbarians cap and will link up with du Preez, who is making his sixth appearance for the BaaBaas.

In the midfield, Benhard Janse van Rensburg teams up with 92-cap Argentina centre Matias Moroni, while England full-back Max Mallins starts at 15. Electric wings Werner Kok and Leolin Zas complete a potent backline.

Pat Lam said: “It’s been an awesome week with so many guys experiencing the Barbarians for the first time. We’ve enjoyed each other’s company and the Barbarian spirit, and the focus is now on Saturday.

“The All Blacks XV will present a big challenge, with a lot of top quality players but the further challenge for us is to come together as a group to take them on.

“We’re all really excited to see the boys have that experience and the weekend will be a celebration of our week together.”

The replacements bench is packed with quality. Stormers hooker Andre-Hugo Venter, his domestic teammate Alistair Vermaak, and Connacht’s Jack Aungier provide front-row cover. Cobus Wiese and South African rising star Batho Hlekani are ready to reinforce the back five.

All Blacks scrum-half Brad Weber continues his comeback from ankle surgery, joined by Dan du Plessis and Rhyno Smith to add further quality from the bench.

1 Oli Kebble

2 Bongi Mbonambi

3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye

4 Ernst van Rhyn

5 Ruben van Heerden

6 Hanro Liebenberg (Captain)

7 Fitz Harding

8 Evan Roos

9 Rhodri Williams

10 Rob du Preez

11 Leolin Zas

12 Benhard Janse van Rensburg

13 Matias Moroni

14 Werner Kok

15 Max Mallins

16 Andre-Hugo Venter

17 Alistair Vermaak

18 Jack Aungier

19 Cobus Wiese

20 Batho Hlekani

21 Brad Weber

22 Dan du Plessis

23 Rhyno Smith