New boys to force Coetzee's hand?

The 30-man squad for the match against the Barbarians features 12 uncapped players and flyhalf Patrick Lambie, who was named captain for the match, believes some of the new faces will be wanting to give their all in order to stake a claim in the green and gold

The uncapped players are Lizo Gqoboka, Thomas du Toit, Rudolph Snyman, Roelof Smit, Jean-Luc du Preez, Uzair Cassiem, Tian Schoeman, Francois Venter, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Sergeal Petersen, Jamba Ulengo and Cheslin Kolbe.

"It is always special to be involved in a Barbarians fixture and the fact that it is at Wembley is also something that we are really looking forward to," Lambie told reporters in London. 

"Obviously, all of us here this week are excited to have an opportunity to play and I am sure every player will be trying to grab that opportunity with both hands and make it hard for the coach [Allister Coetzee] next weekend."

The Springboks have had a disappointing year so far in terms of results, but Lambie says that it has not dampened the spirits in the squad.

"I think the whole group is taking that responsibility on their shoulders. Obviously, we had a disappointing Rugby Championship, but we are very excited about the next few weeks here," Lambie added.

After their meeting with the BaaBaas, the Boks will face England - a team they have not lost to since 2006.

While Eddie Jones' side will be favourites for that match, Lambie believes playing at Twickenham always brings out the best in the Boks.

"The England-Springbok fixture is always a massive one," said Lambie. "I don't know the exact reasons why it has been ten years in a row [since the last defeat]. 

"It always brings out the best in the group and it is a fantastic stadium [Twickenham] to play in, there is an incredible atmosphere as well and I am not the only one who has been involved in the last few Tests there.

"Hopefully there is enough of us with fond memories there to bring out the best in the rest of the group."

Coetzee will name his team for the BaaBaas clash on Thursday.

@rugby365com