Saffas dominate Barbarians outfit to face All Blacks XV

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Pat Lam and John Dobson have revealed their side, consisting of 17 South Africans, including a double World Cup-winner, to play against the All Blacks XV at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday.

Hanro Liebenberg will captain the Barbarians, with the Leicester Tigers star one of eleven South Africans in the starting line-up to take on the New Zealand outfit.

The matchday squad consists of 17 first-time Barbarians.

Two-time World Cup winner Bongi Mbonambi packs down in the front row with Oli Kebble and Asenathi Ntlabakanye on either side, while Sale Sharks’ Ernest van Ryhn partners Stormers powerhouse Ruben van Heerden.

Liebenberg forms an explosive back row with Bristol Bears ace Fitz Harding and Springbok No.8 Evan Roos.

Behind the pack, Dragons scrumhalf Rhodri Williams makes his third Barbarians appearance, partnering Sale’s Rob du Preez, who makes his sixth appearance for the famous invitational club.

Benhard Janse van Rensburg partners with Matiss Moroni in an all-Bristol midfield.

England fullback Max Mallins starts in the No.15 jersey, with electric duo Werner Kok and Leolin Zas providing plenty of firepower on the wings.

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Last time out against the @AllBlacks XV 🇳🇿

What will this year bring? 💪 #Baabaas pic.twitter.com/IzgrvusyPf

— Barbarian FC (@Barbarian_FC) October 20, 2025

Barbarian FC head coach, Pat Lam, said: “It’s been an awesome week with so many guys experiencing the Barbarians for the first time.

“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, and the weekend will be a celebration of our week together.”

There is plenty of star quality on the replacements bench.

Stormers hooker Andre-Hugo Venter, his domestic teammate Alistair Vermaak and Connacht’s Jack Aungier provide the front row cover.

Cobus Wiese and South African rising star Batho Hlekani cover the back five.

All Black scrumhalf Brad Weber continues his comeback from ankle surgery, with Stormers centre Dan du Plessis and Benetton’s Rhyno Smith providing further x-factor.

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

Date: Saturday, November 1
Venue: Gtech Community Stadium, London
Kick-off: 13.15 (13.15 GMT; 02.15, NZDT, Sunday, November 2)
Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)
Assistant referees: TBC (RFU appointment)
TMO: TBC (RFU appointment)