Springbok rugby coach Rassie Erasmus has named a strong team featuring four uncapped players for the Qatar Airways Cup match against the Barbarians at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday. This fixture marks South Africa's opening match of the 2024 international season. Ahead of the subsequent first Test against Italy at Loftus Versfeld, Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi and several teammates have emphasized the importance of not underestimating the Italian side. Italy’s bench for the Test includes Johannesburg-born Ross Vintcent. Jasper Wiese, the Springbok number eight, expressed hope to play alongside his younger brother Cobus during what may be an experimental year for the double world champions. Additionally, the South African Rugby Union (SARU) and public broadcaster SABC have reached an agreement to air the second Castle Lager Inbound Series Test match between the Springboks and Italy on Saturday. Rugby analysts note the depth of the Springbok squad makes it difficult for Erasmus to select a weak team.