Dominant Springboks make flying start to 2026 with 12-try blitz against Barbarians

The action at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium was fast and frenetic, with both teams playing their part in creating an open and expansive game befitting the occasion.

At one point the Boks looked destined to well and truly run away with it, but a purple patch late in the first half saw the Baabaas momentarily close the gap to just nine points, taking full advantage of a few lapses in defence to score three great tries in quick succession.

The Boks certainly gave as good as they got and then some, however, with the forwards regularly making metres at will, which created an ample platform for the backs to express themselves.

After the first half ended 40-26 in the home side's favour, the second half was mostly one-way traffic, with the Boks running in six more tries to just one from the visitors.

Familiar faces like Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi and Cheslin Kolbe looked sharp and dangerous as ever, while winger Edwill van der Merwe - who bagged a hat-trick - and hooker Andre-Hugo Venter also seized their opportunity to impress.

Barring a few blips here and there, Quan Horn acquitted himself well in his debut performance at flyhalf, with his footwork and decision-making catching the eye, while there were also tries on debut for Junior Bok captain Riley Norton and replacement hooker JJ Kotze.

There were nine try-scorers for the Boks in all, with the likes of Du Toit, Wiese, Kolbe, Jesse Kriel and Zachary Porthen also getting in on the action.

A late cameo from World Cup winner Faf de Klerk, meanwhile, who also crossed for a try, showed the livewire scrumhalf could still have a part to play.

The only major concern for Rassie Erasmus will be a potential injury to veteran lock Franco Mostert, who left the field in the second half - though he was at least able to walk off unaided.

There's no substitute for Test match intensity, but last year's big win against the Baabaas proved to be the perfect platform for the successful season ahead, and Erasmus will be hoping the same holds true in 2026.