A poor performance by the Springbok XV, and some fantastic defence by the Barbarians made sure that the Baabaas spoiled Jake White’s last game in charge of the World Champions. To be fair the Bok XV were missing crucial members of the RWC winning squad with the likes of Matfield, Smit, Montgomery and Du Randt not on the end of year tour. Bakkies Botha and Schalk Burger were both declared unfit to face the Baabaas in the buildup to the game, but that makes no differance.

The Barbarians played better rugby and looked more hungry for the victory that the Springbok XV. The Barbarian club has a proud tradition playing against national touring sides and even though the European clubs forbade their players from playing in this game the Baabaas fielded a strong side and they simply outplayed the Bok XV. With Australian playmaker Matt Giteau at the fore the Barbarians defended like Trojans and created better scoring opportunities than the Bokke. They ran in 3 tries to 1 and walked off the field convincing victors by 22-5. None of the Bok XV players can feel overly satisfied with their performance, but Ryan Kankowski looks like a bright prospect for the future.

SARB would like this opportunity to thank Jake White for what he has done for SA Rugby, winning the RWC 2007 was a fantastic conclusion to his career as the Springbok coach and we would like to wish him all the best for the future.