Barbarians head coach Robbie Deans backs the legendary team to bring their trademark flair and courage against a focused Springbok outfit in Cape Town on Saturday.
Speaking to the media on Thursday in the buildup to the first clash between the teams on South African soil, Deans acknowledged the challenge of facing the world champions treating the fixture with Test-match intensity.
Deans, who led the invitational outfit to a 31-31 draw with the Boks at Wembley in 2016, believes Saturday’s showdown at Cape Town Stadium is about more than the scoreline.
“Bravery and flair are all things that we as the Barbarians want to make part of our game. We will try to do that, but the Springboks are clearly taking this match seriously,” he said.
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“They are training for the international season and definitely don’t want to slip up against us. The Barbarians are a well-known brand and it’s the first time we’ve faced each other in Africa [but] Rassie is not someone who likes to lose at all.”
The former Wallabies and Crusaders boss has named a side boasting 11 players from the All Blacks, France, Ireland and South Africa, led by retiring Irish great Peter O’Mahony.
O’Mahony is joined in the back row by Sam Cane and Shannon Frizell, with Cian Healy packing down in his final match at loosehead. The second row features Stormers powerhouse Ruben van Heerden and SA-born England lock David Ribbans.
“When these guys get the opportunity to play and with the history of the club, we want to add to it. We want to bring that courage and flair, the things the club stands for,” Deans said.
“[O’Mahony] has a huge amount of respect globally. He was the first bloke I spoke to once I was offered the gig, and he was keen.
“Ruben has been on the verge of a Test debut for some time and will be particularly motivated. And it’s great for local fans to see David against his countrymen.”
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The backline features attacking threats such as France fullback Melvyn Jaminet and All Blacks wingers Mark Telea and Leicester Fainga’anuku, but Deans was quick to stress that flair will only flourish off a solid platform.
“As nice as it is to have players like Jaminet, Telea and Fainga’anuku, you are not going to get the ball out wide unless you create momentum up front, especially against a team like South Africa,” he added.
The 65-year-old Kiwi also praised Erasmus’ boldness and the addition to his backroom staff of attack coach Tony Brown last year.
“Rassie is a very creative man. He always looks for an edge. Bringing in Tony has added a new dimension to their game,” Deans said.
“Both teams will play positive rugby and provide a spectacle for the public, regardless of the weather.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
