Kolisi and Tshituka bracing for Test quality encounters in Gqeberha

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and his SA ‘A’ counterpart Vincent Tshituka braced themselves for challenging encounters as the international seasons kicks off on Saturday with a thrilling double-header at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, saying both teams will bring a fighting spirit.

The SA ‘A’ team will take the field against Zimbabwe at 12pm, followed by the Springboks’ clash against the Barbarians at 3pm, with both matches being broadcast live on SuperSport.

Kolisi was thrilled to be back in the green and gold jersey and said that although many considered matches against the Barbarians as festival games, they would treat the opposition and the match in general as any other international.

“It's our opening game, and we're all excited,” said Kolisi.

“For us, it's never a festival game, we see it as a Test match. We're representing South Africa, and some guys are getting an opportunity, so we want to ensure that everything we've worked on during the off-season is put into place.

“We're preparing for the season and a lot of us are playing for positions in the Nations Championship squad.”

Zooming in on the match itself, Kolisi said: “There's a lot of magic in the backline and our job as a forward pack is to give them the best platform to express themselves and use their talent.

“We've got a lot of experienced guys in the pack, and many players are hungry for an opportunity in the Springbok jersey as well. That said, the focus will be on our game and it’s important to be disciplined in what we do.”

Tshituka was in awe about being handed the captaincy for the SA ‘A’ team and said: “It’s an honour of the highest order for me. I’ve been given a responsibility, so I want to do it to the best of my ability and make the honour count.”

He was also excited to see the young players in the squad have the opportunity to represent a senior national team and said: “It's definitely a golden era of youngsters. They are outstanding rugby players and their ability to learn quickly has really impressed me, so I'm looking forward to playing alongside them.”

Tshituka, who will have the honour of taking the field alongside his brother Emmanuel, expected Zimbabwe – who qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia – to put up a brave fight.

“We've done our analysis and there are a lot of guys in their squad who will be highly motivated and will be playing for opportunities and contracts, so one can never underestimate them,” he said.

“We all know what it means to walk onto the field representing your country, and they'll definitely come out with that motivation, knowing they are going to the Rugby World Cup.

“There's a lot on the line for them and they'll be fully committed. We also know a couple of the guys in their team and what they’ll bring, so they’ll be well prepared.”

Kolisi was delighted to take the field in his home province in the Eastern Cape and said: “I'm very excited to be here. It's been awesome seeing friends and family. It's always special coming to Gqeberha and seeing the people who came to the airport and to our team photograph and there’s always a fantastic vibe at the stadium, so we are looking forward to it.”

Springbok starting XV: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Edwill van der Merwe; 10 Quan Horn, 9 Grant Williams; 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (capt); 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Riley Norton; 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Andre-Hugo Venter, 1 Ox Nche. Replacements: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Paul de Villiers, 21 Evan Roos, 22 Faf de Klerk, 23 Vusi Moyo.

Barbarian FC starting XV: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Virimi Vakatawa, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Duhan van der Merwe; 10 Tomás Albornoz, 9 TJ Perenara (capt); 8 Miracle Fai’ilagi, 7 Lachlan Boshier, 6 Guido Petti; 5 Alex Moon, 4 Franco Molina; 3 D’Arcy Rae, 2 Elliot Dee, 1 Mayko Vivas. Replacements: 16 Leonel Oviedo, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Pedro Delgado, 19 Izack Rodda, 20 Liam McConnell, 21 Santiago Arata, 22 Harry Plummer, 23 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.

SA ‘A’ starting XV: 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 (capt); 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.

SA ‘A’ v Zimbabwe @ Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha (12pm)

Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron

Assistant Referees: Sean Muller, Dylen November

Television Match Official: Marius Jonker

South Africa v Barbarians @ Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha (3pm)

Referee: Morne Ferreira

Assistant Referees: Griffin Colby, Hanru van Rooyen

Television Match Official: Marius van der Westhuizen