André Esterhuizen said he is expecting a highly physical battle against a "powerhouse" Barbarians midfield when the Springboks face the invitational side on Saturday, 20 June 2026 at 15:00 (SA Time).
Speaking ahead of the season-opening double-header at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, the Springbok centre shared key insights on the defensive and structural challenges the Springboks anticipate.
Esterhuizen said the centre pairing of Munster’s Alex Nankivell and former France international Virimi Vakatawa will ask several questions of him and Jesse Kriel.
“It’s a powerhouse centre pairing; Alex Nankivell is a strong, abrasive runner with good offloading skills and good distribution, while we’ve all seen Virimi Vakatawa play for France. He’s a very experienced centre who’s been around for a long time. He’s also a strong ball-carrier.”
“So it’s going to be a good battle in the centres. I’m excited for the challenge. It’s going to be a good one.”
Esterhuizen insisted that while the Barbarians are famous for a loose, free-flowing attacking approach, the Springboks will counter by rigidly sticking to their own standard defensive and tactical processes.
“We just want to go out there and play our game. I know it’s a Barbarians game and everyone looks at it and thinks it can be loose. They might want to make it loose, but we’re just going to stick to our processes as we do in every other game.
“For us, it’s a normal Test. That’s how we’re going to handle it and go into the game. Hopefully we’ll be successful in doing that.”
Commenting on the surprise selection of regular fullback Quan Horn at No. 10, Esterhuizen noted that Horn has slotted in seamlessly during training, but emphasised that the surrounding backline must actively guide and shield him during the match.
“I think we can all agree he’s a very good player, with a lot of skill and a good reading of the game.”
“I think he’s slotted into the No 10 position very well in training. He’s been working hard and learning on the go.”
“But with support inside and outside him, players who can help him and guide him, I think he’ll be very good in that position.”
“And it’s a great option to have as a utility back.”