Springboks player ratings: Established stars and emerging talent shine against the Barbarians

The Springboks opened their 2026 season with an emphatic 80-31 victory over the Barbarians in Gqeberha.

Beyond the scoreline however, the match offered valuable insight into Rassie Erasmus' growing depth chart.

Several established stars reaffirmed their standing, while a handful of emerging players strengthened their claims for greater involvement as the season progresses.

15 Aphelele Fassi – 6.5/10

A mixed afternoon for the full-back. There were moments where his attacking quality and counter-attacking instincts were evident, but there were also occasions where rustiness showed after returning from injury. 

Understandable under the circumstances, and there is likely much more to come.

14 Cheslin Kolbe – 8/10

Absorbed several heavy collisions during the first half but continued to influence the game.

Kicked accurately from the tee and showed his usual work rate across the field. Another dependable outing from one of the Springboks' most experienced backs.

13 Jesse Kriel – 8/10

Comfortable and composed. Grew into the contest alongside Andre Esterhuizen and provided strong leadership in the backline. 

Took his try well and looked increasingly influential as the game opened up.

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12 Andre Esterhuizen – 8/10

A physical presence throughout. Combined effectively with Kriel and offered directness whenever the Springboks needed momentum. 

Rewarded with a try and looked increasingly assured as the match progressed.

11 Edwill van der Merwe – 9/10

The standout performer. Took his opportunities clinically and finished with a hat-trick. 

With Kurt-Lee Arendse unavailable, Van der Merwe seized his opportunity emphatically and delivered the type of performance that will keep him firmly in Erasmus' thinking.

10 Quan Horn – 6.5/10

One of the most intriguing selections in the side. Playing his first professional match at fly-half, Horn produced flashes of quality when space opened up and he could showcase the instincts that have made him such an effective full-back.

There were also moments where the position looked unfamiliar. 

His distribution occasionally lacked fluency and there were signs that the pace of the game and Grant Williams' tempo put him under pressure. Nevertheless, it was a respectable outing given the circumstances.

9 Grant Williams – 8/10

Injected speed into the Springbok attack and constantly looked to play with tempo. At times he may have been operating quicker than those around him, particularly Horn, but his influence remained overwhelmingly positive.

8 Jasper Wiese – 8.5/10

Another reminder of why he remains the Springboks' first-choice number eight. Physical, direct and consistently effective around the field. Added a try off a great lineout read and imposed himself throughout.

7 Pieter-Steph du Toit – 8.5/10

Relentless as ever. His work rate remains among the best in world rugby and he again demonstrated why he remains such an important part of the Springbok loose-forward combination.

6 Siya Kolisi (captain) – 8/10

Led effectively and provided his usual balance of physicality, speed and composure. The Springboks looked comfortable with Kolisi directing proceedings.

5 Franco Mostert – 8.5/10

One of the most important players on the field despite not necessarily grabbing headlines. His experience helped settle the younger players around him, particularly Riley Norton. 

A typically selfless and highly effective performance.

4 Riley Norton – 9/10

A huge statement from the former Junior Springbok captain. Comfortable physically, dominant in contact and rewarded with a try. 

The composure he showed alongside Mostert was particularly impressive. It is easy to see why Erasmus rates him so highly.

3 Carlu Sadie – 8.5/10

Continues to strengthen his case as a genuine Springbok tighthead option. Powerful at scrum time and active around the field. Given the depth at the position, every opportunity matters, and Sadie took his first one with poise.

2 Andre-Hugo Venter – 8/10

An important outing for the hooker. The set-piece functioned well and he looked increasingly confident as the match progressed. 

Continues to establish himself as a serious contender within the Springbok system.

1 Ox Nche – 8/10

Reliable and effective. Produced exactly the sort of performance expected from one of the most established members of the squad.

Replacements

16 JJ Kotze – 7/10

Slotted into the game comfortably and delivered the type of contribution Stormers supporters have become accustomed to seeing. Reliable and effective.

17 Ntuthuko Mchunu – 7.5/10

A strong shift off the bench. Continues to present himself as a capable option behind Ox Nche and handled his responsibilities well.

18 Zachary Porthen – 8/10

One of the more eye-catching replacements. Dominant in contact and showcased impressive mobility for a tighthead prop. 

Rewarded with a try and offered a different profile to some of South Africa's other options.

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19 Ben-Jason Dixon – 7.5/10

Displayed his versatility once again by covering lock and loose-forward responsibilities. A valuable squad player whose adaptability continues to strengthen his case.

20 Paul de Villiers – 8/10

Another encouraging outing. His breakdown work and natural fetching ability remain standout traits and he increasingly looks like a genuine understudy to Kolisi.

21 Evan Roos – 8/10

Made the most of his opportunity. Carried strongly, minimised errors and looked composed throughout. Given the competition at number eight, performances like this are important.

22 Faf de Klerk – 8/10

One of his most influential appearances in some time. Controlled the game well, brought energy around the breakdown and reminded everyone of the qualities that made him such a key figure in previous Springbok successes.

23 Vusi Moyo – 8/10

A highly encouraging cameo. Showed impressive composure for a young player and helped create a try with excellent distribution during a flowing attacking movement. 

A performance that should boost confidence moving forward.

Verdict

The Springboks will face sterner examinations later in the season, but the Barbarians fixture achieved exactly what Erasmus would have hoped.

Established leaders such as Kolisi, Du Toit, Wiese and Mostert delivered their usual consistency, while players such as Van der Merwe, Norton, Sadie, De Villiers, Roos and Moyo all strengthened their cases for greater involvement.

Perhaps most importantly, South Africa's depth once again emerged as one of their greatest strengths.

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