South Africa ‘A’ v Zimbabwe – Teams and Prediction – south africa

PREVIEW: Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick believes some of the players in his South Africa ‘A’ side have the potential to fill some big boots in the Bok team in the future.

SA ‘A’ will face Zimbabwe in Saturday’s curtain raiser for the Springboks v Barbarians clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Stick’s side will feature a host of promising talents in the country, with the back three getting a large share of the spotlight.

Luan Giliomee gets a shot at fullback with Sharks teammates Jaco Williams and Zekhethelo Siyaya on the wings.

There’s not only speed and guile in that back three, but versatility as well.

“When we look at the profile of the players, having Luan at the back, a 15 normally plays a playmaker role as well when it comes to our system,” said Stick.

“Siyaya can also do that job, and he is a backup.

“With the kicking game, we felt that having Siyaya at wing would give us an advantage in the sense of getting into that battle in the air.

“Then there is Jaco Williams on the other side. This opportunity has been coming for him. He has been knocking.

“We always say size doesn’t matter for us, and you saw that when he plays for the Sharks. He has got a big heart and a massive workrate.

“If you look at the profile of the players that we’ve got – I’m talking about Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-lee Arendse – and when you look at the profile of Jaco, it’s almost the same as those guys.

“All three of those players at the back have X-factor, and we want to see if they can do things the way Springboks do it.”

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*Meanwhile, Stormers lock Gary Porter and Sharks loose forward Tinotenda Mavesere headline the Zimbabwe starting XV for the international friendly.

The other familiar face will be Tapiwa Mafura at fullback.

Porter, who qualifies for Zimbabwe through his Bulawayo-born mother, will partner Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa in the second row. Nyakufaringwa has played a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s qualification campaign for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, marking the Sables’ first appearance at the tournament in more than 30 years.

Players to watch

For South Africa ‘A’: Centre Markus Muller grabbed the headlines with his schoolboy performances last year, and he became the youngest player ever to make his debut for the Stormers. His midfield partner, Lukhanyo Am, has dropped down the pecking order in Rassie Erasmus’ midfield options, and he will have a lot to prove. Zekhethelo Siyaya was a standout performer for the Sharks in the final few games of the URC season, and his versatility in the backline is a valuable asset. Loose forward Bathobele Hlekani is a powerhouse with ball in hand, and he has been pushing for higher honours for quite a while now.

For Zimbabwe: Tapiwa Mafura will give SA ‘A’ plenty of problems if he is given enough time and space with ball in hand. Tinotenda Mavesere at No.8 is a tough customer with momentum on his side, while lock Gary Porter will look to apply everything he has learned at the Stormers against his franchise teammate Ruben van Heerden.

Prediction:

Rugby365: South Africa ‘A’ by 20 points.

Teams:

SA ‘A’: 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Jaco Williams, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Haashim Pead, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Bathobele Hlekani, 6 Emmanuel Tshituka, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Vincent Tshituka (captain), 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Boan Venter
Replacements: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Adre Smith, 20 Siba Mahashe, 21 Nico Steyn, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Jurenzo Julius

Zimbabwe: 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Trevor Gurwe, 13 Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, 12 Kudza Mashawi, 11 Edward Sigauke, 10 Bruce Houston, 9 Hilton Mudariki (captain), 8 Tinotenda Blithe Mavesere, 7 Dyan Utete, 6 Simbarashe Siraha, 5 Gary Porter, 4 Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, 3 Bornwell Gwinji, 2 Simba Mandioma, 1 Victor Mapunga.
Replacements: 16 Liam Larkan, 17 Tijde Visser, 18 Michael Kumbirai, 19 Daniel Cooke, 20 Tadiwanashe Gwashu, 21 Aiden Burnett, 22 Keegan Joubert, 23 Dion Khumalo.

Date: Saturday, June 20
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha
Kick-off: 12.00 SAST (10.00 GMT)
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron
Assistant referees: Sean Muller, Dylen November
TMO: Marius Jonker