By Johan van der Merwe · Sports Editor · June 16, 2026The South Africa A team is set to face Zimbabwe at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this Saturday, featuring a blend of experienced Springboks and promising Junior Boks. This match will serve as an opener for the Springboks versus Barbarians fixture in Gqeberha.
The squad includes notable Springboks such as props Boan Venter and Neethling Fouché, lock Vincent Tshituka, No 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, and centre Lukhanyo Am. These established players will provide a strong core for the team.
Among the emerging talents, SA U20 flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed and Lions scrumhalf Haashim Pead will guide the team. The back three will feature Luan Giliomee, Jaco Williams, and Zekhethelo Siyaya, while Markus Muller will partner Am in the midfield.
Squad Composition and Key Matchups
The front row will see Fouché and Venter alongside SA U20 hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele. In the second row, Stormers player Ruben van Heerden will combine with Vincent Tshituka. The back row is composed of Buthelezi at No 8, with Batho Hlekani and Emmanuel Tshituka on the flanks.
The bench further highlights the mix of experience and youth, with hooker Liam van Wyk, props Oliver Reid and Hanro Jacobs, and more seasoned forwards Adré Smith and Siba Mahashe. The backline replacements include scrumhalves Nico Steyn of the Lions and Imad Khan from the Stormers, as well as Sharks centre Jurenzo Julius.
Coach Mzwandile Stick expressed anticipation for the match, noting that the young and uncapped players have integrated well and are eager to play. He believes this game will offer valuable senior international exposure for them, aiding in assessing the depth of talent for both the current season and the upcoming World Cup.
Players participating in this match for South Africa A will be officially tied to South Africa, having represented the country’s designated second team.
Zimbabwe’s Challenge and Player Additions
Zimbabwe, having qualified for the 2027 World Cup, is expected to provide a strong challenge. Coach Stick acknowledged Zimbabwe as a settled team with good coaches, anticipating a formidable opposition. He emphasised the importance for South Africa A to adhere to their structures and for individual players to showcase their talent.
In preparation for the friendly, Zimbabwe has called up uncapped Stormers lock Gary Porter. Porter, who qualifies for Zimbabwe through his Bulawayo-born mother, will join the Sables national team. He has been on the Sables‘ radar for some time and has made himself available for the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup in July.
Porter, who previously played for Western Province and Ealing Trailfinders in the English Championship, aims to make an impression and secure a place in Zimbabwe‘s plans for their return to the Rugby World Cup next year. He cited head coach Pieter Benade as a key factor in his decision to play for the Sables, expressing a desire to play at the highest international level.
Should Porter be selected for the matchday 23, he could face his Stormers teammate, Ruben van Heerden, who is named in the South Africa A second row. Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids also highlighted Zimbabwe‘s talent, including Porter and flanker Tino Mavesere, noting that Zimbabwe has historically produced quality players.
The match is scheduled for Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
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Source: sarugbymag.co.za
