One selection stands out in Saffa-heavy Barbarians side for All Blacks XV

Hanro Liebenberg will captain a South Africa-dominated Barbarians team when they take on the All Blacks XV at the Gtech Community Stadium in London on Saturday.

The Leicester Tigers skipper leads a side brimming with Springbok influence — eleven South Africans start — as head coach Pat Lam names 17 debutants in his matchday squad for the famous invitational club.

Two-time World Cup winner Bongi Mbonambi packs down between Oli Kebble and Asenathi Ntlabakanye in a heavyweight front row.

Ntlabakanye’s inclusion is an interesting one. The tighthead is currently under investigation following an ‘adverse finding’ in a drug test over the summer and was effectively removed from the Springboks squad so he deal with the charges.

Ntlabakanye has featured for Lions in the URC since, although the spectre of the allegations still loom over the prop.

Elswhere, Sale Sharks’ Ernest van Rhyn joins Stormers enforcer Ruben van Heerden in the second row.

Liebenberg will line up in a formidable back row alongside Bristol’s Fitz Harding and Springbok No.8 Evan Roos.

At half-back, Dragons scrum-half Rhodri Williams makes his third Barbarians outing and partners Sale’s Rob du Preez, who features for the sixth time in black and white.

Bristol duo Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Matias Moroni combine in midfield, with former England international Max Malins at full-back and the explosive pair of Werner Kok and Leolin Zas on the wings.

“It’s been an awesome week with so many guys experiencing the Barbarians for the first time,” said Lam. “We’ve enjoyed each other’s company and the Barbarian spirit, and the focus is now on Saturday.

“The All Blacks XV will present a big challenge, with a lot of top-quality players, but the further challenge for us is to come together as a group to take them on. We’re all really excited to see the boys have that experience — the weekend will be a celebration of our week together.”

There’s plenty of star power on the bench too, with Stormers hooker Andre-Hugo Venter, his club teammate Alistair Vermaak, and Connacht’s Jack Aungier covering the front row. Cobus Wiese and rising South African prospect Batho Hlekani offer power in reserve, while All Blacks scrum-half Brad Weber, Stormers centre Dan du Plessis, and Benetton’s Rhyno Smith provide further flair.

Tickets are still available via Ticketmaster.

Springboks:
1. Oli Kebble
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Asenathi Ntlabakanye
4.Ernest van Ryhn
5.Ruben van Heerden
6.Hanro Liebenberg (capt)
7. Fitz Harding
8.Evan Roos
9. Rhodri Williams
10. Rob du Preez
11. Leolin Zas
12. Benhard Janse van Rensburg
13. Matias Moroni
14. Werner Kok
15. Max Malins

Replacements:
16. Andre-Hugo Venter
17. Alistair Vermaak
18. Jack Aungier
19. Cobus Wiese
20. Batho Hlekani
21. Brad Webber
22. Dan du Plessis
23. Rhyno Smith