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South Africa match Lions' scoreline in one-sided romp over Barbarians
By Ian Cameron
South Africa began their 2025 season with a dominant 54–7 win over the Barbarians at DHL Stadium in Cape Town — the largest winning margin recorded by the Springboks against the invitational side.
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The hosts started strongly, controlling the set piece and early territory. Malcolm Marx opened the scoring in the fifth minute from a driving maul, and Cheslin Kolbe followed shortly after by collecting a well-weighted grubber from Aphelele Fassi. The Barbarians struggled to exit their own half for much of the opening quarter.
Vincent Tshituka extended the lead to 19–0 with a pick-and-go try following sustained pressure. While South Africa made several handling errors in the wet conditions, they remained in control defensively.
The BaaBaas, despite some promising moments, failed to convert field position into points.
Jean-Luc du Preez left the field in the 38th minute for an HIA after a head collision with teammate Lood de Jager and did not return.
South Africa led 19–0 at the break, having conceded few penalties and largely dominated possession.
Rassie Erasmus emptied the bench early in the second half, introducing all eight replacements within the first five minutes. Jan-Hendrik Wessels scored immediately from a close-range carry, and Jesse Kriel — captaining the side — made a clean midfield break soon after.
Thing got worse for the Barbarians when flanker Lachlan Boshier was yellow-carded in the 53rd minute for a high tackle. South Africa took advantage, with Kurt-Lee Arendse and Lood de Jager both crossing to stretch the lead to 40–0.
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There was at least something for the BaaBaas to celebrate. Melvyn Jaminet took a sharp no-look pass from Leicester Fainga’anuku, dummied, and finished smartly to get the visitors on the board. A deserved consolation.
But the Springboks weren’t done. Kolbe launched a weaving run down the right touchline. He was eventually dragged down, but Tshituka finished the move with his second try of the day. In the final minute, Fassi’s long ball sent Damian de Allende clear to finish off the scoring.