Kicking game, defence the big tests awaiting Boks against Barbarians, says Stick

FOR all intents and purposes, any game against the Barbarians is a bit of a hit-and-giggle affair.

- ASHFAK MOHAMED

You get a bunch of rugby players from around the world together in one location for a week, and although they are some renowned figures, they won't have much of a plan to execute on the Saturday.

But knowing coach Robbie Deans multiple Super Rugby champion with the Crusaders and former Wallaby mentor the Barbarians will have a New Zealand template to work with for today’s clash against the Springboks at Cape Town Stadium (5.10pm kick-off).

That is why despite the expected slippery conditions and wet weather, the game is a valuable exercise for the Boks, especially with the double-crunch against the All Blacks awaiting in New Zealand in September.

That is probably part of the reason why coach Rassie Erasmus has opted for his current first-choice back-three combination of Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse for Saturday’s encounter.

For all intents and purposes, they are likely to make the cut for the September 6 showdown with the All Blacks in Eden Park in Auckland too.