Barbarians mystery means Bok analysis must adapt

The mystery of how the Barbarians will play next weekend in their one-off game against the Springboks means the Boks have a tough time analysing them, but that presents an opportunity in itself.

The Boks will focus more on their attack than trying to break down a defence as they typically do ahead of a test match, with attack coach Tony Brown and Felix Jones, who returned to the Bok set-up earlier this year, playing a massive role.

The style of Barbarians rugby makes it a tougher season opener for the Boks than many people would realise, as the team will need to click quicker than expected and get together against a side that is gearing up as a mixture of top international talent.

Next weekend’s Cape Town game is the first in the international season and Erasmus is hoping that the mix-and-match team that he puts out on the field will stick to their goals rather than being sucked into a 'free for all' as Barbarian games tend to become.

The Bok coach spoke about how difficult the process was of analysing a team like the Barbarians, who are coached by Robbie Deans, the former Crusaders and Wallabies coach.

“We are a team that likes to analyse the opposition. We always do that and Felix plays a massive role in that, especially in finding out what the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses are. We can’t do this with a Barbarians team, but there are also individuals we know, although they will be very late with announcing some of the individuals that will play for them,” Erasmus said.

“The thing is, then they get together, and you tell them to play what they see and be entertaining. If you give them bad kicks they will rip you apart. We will try and play really structured in our way and try to get through the game without any mental scars, because that is something that happens if you are in the Barbarian mindset.”

With only 10 days to go until the #Springboks kick off their 2025 season against the @Barbarian_FC in Cape Town, there is an eagerness in the squad for an exciting yet challenging international season ahead - more here: https://t.co/EAhBBIMZOy 🤩#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/4kMNbt7RxS

— Springboks (@Springboks) June 18, 2025

NOT UNDERESTIMATING OPPOSITION

Jones’s input has been valuable in trying to get the Boks on the same page, with Brown concentrating on the attack play but the two dovetailing plans to ensure the Boks will be ready for whatever the Barbarians bring.

“Without a doubt the attack will be important, Felix supports us and Tony does the attack, but Felix supports every department. With hard work and getting your fundamentals right and between Tony really pushing the guys hard in seeing opportunities, playing with freedom but not so much that you play yourself into a hole. And then everybody suffers because you tried a few things.

“It's all about the attack side and it is all about Felix supporting Tony. That is why in this specific game there is not a lot of specific defence to analyse so we can focus on our own guys.”

Erasmus also played down fears the Boks would be underprepared later in the season when the Rugby Championship comes around, especially as their opposition in July - Italy and Georgia - are not the strongest.

The All Blacks face France and Australia host the British and Irish Lions in their July tests with most of the focus in that part of the world.

But despite an expectation the Boks should win easily, Erasmus said to underestimate Italy and Georgia would be a slap in the face of those teams.

The same with the Barbarians, who open the test season next weekend against the national side.

“A lot of people will assume that, but it would be a slap in the face to those teams. I coached the Barbarians in 2018 when they beat Argentina, and we had a lot of Springbok players in that side,” said Erasmus.

“The names I am seeing in this Barbarians team is really going to be a great test for us. It will be tough enough and it is in Cape Town, so there is no altitude that would favour us.

“Italy, from what we saw earlier this year, stayed in the fight during those first two games in the Six Nations and their defence was really good. Do you remember when Italy beat South Africa? I remember what that feeling is like and we will be very careful not to fall into that trap.

“Georgia is a challenging team that we can’t underestimate. The key for us will be to drive our own standards against them. So I think we will get a good challenge from these games and it will be good preparation for us.”