KIWI INNIE KAAP

THE Springboks will face nog ’n dik ding All Black after flank Shannon Frizell put his hand up to play for the Barbarians in a historic clash against the World Champions in Cape Town later on this month.

Frizell, alongside retired Irish international prop Cian Healy, were the latest big names announced by the Baa Baas to tackle Siya Kolisi and his Bok team on 28 June at Cape Town Stadium. The first time that a Barbarians team will face South Africa in Mzansi.

This after former New Zealand captain Sam Cane also signed up to tackle the Boks as part of coach Robbie Deans’ Barbarians team. With flank Peter O’Mahony and Connor Murray (both Ireland) also deciding to lock horns with the Boks.

Frizell, who is currently playing club rugby in Japan and not eligible to be selected for the All Blacks, is well-known to coach Rassie Erasmus and his Bok squad.

He has played in 33 Tests for New Zealand, with his last appearance in the 2023 World Cup final in France, where SA beat the Kiwis 12-11 to lift back-to-back trophies.

Meanwhile, Healy, who retired from international rugby after this year’s Six Nations, will relish going up against a powerful Springbok scrum for one last time.

And according to Deans, het hy raakgevat with recruiting Healy and Frizell as they ae both versatile players.

Of how the two will help the Baa Baas try and run coach Rassie Erasmus’s Boks ragged, Deans wysed: “When putting a squad together, we always look for players who have a number of attributes – versatility, experience, skill set, flair, combinations and know each other’s games at club or international level, but most importantly respect and value the privilege of playing for the Barbarians.

“Cian is hugely experienced both at club and country level, can play tighthead and loosehead and will know well the two other Irish players announced last week. And Shannon is an explosive and dynamic backrow and has played alongside Sam Cane for the All Blacks.”

Tickets for the Boks v Baa Baas clash can be bought exclusively on Ticketmaster with SA Rugby saying in a statement that they are selling out fast.