Debutant Vincent Tshituka scored a brace of tries as the Springboks launched their 2025 campaign with a resounding win against the Barbarians in a rainy Cape Town on Saturday. 

Tshituka dotted down either side of half time, the world champions leading 19-0 at half time before running away eight-tries-to-one 54-7 winners at Cape Town Stadium, bringing their win tally to four in nine meetings with the Baa Baas.

South Africa hosted the famed invitational side for the first time, and Saturday’s victory allowed the Boks to retain the Qatar Airways Cup and build early momentum ahead of their Test season.

The hosts dominated the opening 40 minutes through powerful forward play and clinical finishing. Hooker Malcolm Marx opened the scoring with a powerful surge from a rolling maul, before Man of the Match Cheslin Kolbe showcased his pace to dot down in the corner after latching onto Aphelele Fassi’s well-weighted grubber.

Tshituka capped the first-half scoring with his maiden Bok try, emerging from another dominant lineout drive to cross the whitewash. The hosts’ scrum superiority was evident early, with World Cup winner Ox Nche and debutant Asenathi Ntlabakanye providing the platform.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu kicked two conversions, and his show-and-go left Baa Baas skipper Peter O’Mahony grasping at shadows, though the Bok flyhalf knocked on in the tackle en route to the tryline. 

Meanwhile, No 8 Jean-Luc du Preez’s return after an almost two-year absence ended prematurely when replaced by Kwagga Smith just before the interval.

Fassi 🤝 Kolbe

Cheslin doing what he does best in Green and Gold 🤩🔥

📺 Stream #BARvRSA on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/QloMW5AP1R

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 28, 2025

Rassie Erasmus unleashed the Bomb Squad soon after the restart, emptying the bench in a tactical masterstroke that paid off immediately. Replacement prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels struck within minutes, crashing over for the fourth try as the avalanche began.

Andre Esterhuizen also impressed with his versatility, the hulking midfielder packing down at flank and joining lineouts in an unconventional role.

The Barbarians’ discipline crumbled when Lachlan Boshier saw yellow for a high tackle on Kurt-Lee Arendse. The speedster responded by sliding home following slick interplay and a delightful Damian de Allende grubber. Lock Lood de Jager marked his international return with a powerful surge, before Tshituka completed his debut brace under the posts.

Melvyn Jaminet’s corner try briefly stemmed the tide for the visitors, converting his own score. However, De Allende’s post-hooter touchdown sealed a comprehensive result, bringing up the half-century in emphatic fashion. 

Erasmus’ charges now turn their attention to the Incoming Series, which begins next Saturday against Italy at Loftus, followed by a second Test against the Azzurri in Gqeberha and a clash with Georgia in Nelspruit.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images