Springboks going all-out in clash against Barbarians on Saturday

Siya Kolisi is looking forward to facing the Barbarians
Siya Kolisi is looking forward to facing the BarbariansGALLO IMAGES / GETTY IMAGES EUROPE / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi says they will take their clash with the Barbarians as seriously as any test match when they clash in Gqeberha on Saturday.

The fixture is a non-cap game and in truth an exhibition fixture, but Kolisi says they will prepare and play as if it were any other full international to make sure they are prepared for the Nations Championship clashes against England, Scotland and Wales in July.  

“It's our opening game, and we're all excited,” said Kolisi. “For us, it's never a festival game, we see it as a Test match. We're representing South Africa, and some guys are getting an opportunity, so we want to ensure that everything we've worked on during the off-season is put into place. 

“We're preparing for the season, and a lot of us are playing for positions in the Nations Championship squad.”

South Africa have picked a strong side, and included Quan Horn at flyhalf.  

“There's a lot of magic in the backline, and our job as a forward pack is to give them the best platform to express themselves and use their talent,” Kolisi said.

“We've got a lot of experienced guys in the pack, and many players are hungry for an opportunity in the Springbok jersey as well. 

“That said, the focus will be on our game, and it’s important to be disciplined in what we do.”

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