Boks take calculated risk against Baabaas

SPRINGBOK head coach Rassie Erasmus sprung a few surprises with the uncapped players for the clash with the Barbarians on Saturday but selected an experienced side to try and lay a strong season-opening platform in Cape Town.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

SPRINGBOK head coach Rassie Erasmus sprung a few surprises with the uncapped players for the clash with the Barbarians on Saturday but selected an experienced side to try and lay a strong season-opening platform in Cape Town.

While they will approach the game at the DHL Stadium (5.10pm start) with a Test-match mentality, four uncapped players — two in the starting XV and two off the bench - will make their debut.

The team also consists of four other players with less than 10 caps.

However, the rest of the side is stacked with World Cup winners. Judging by the experience they've gone with, 'the world champions should have no trouble putting the Baabaas away'.

The invitational side, finally to an almost full complement, assembled in Cape Town on Tuesday ahead of the duel.

Although not an official Test, Sharks loose forward Vincent Tshituka and Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye will experience the Green-and-Gold for the first time.

Replacement tighthead Neethling Fouché and replacement hooker Marnus van der Merwe are the uncapped guys on the bench.