In a significant coaching shift, SA Rugby has announced that Rassie Erasmus' deputy, Mzwandile Stick, will helm the South Africa A team in their upcoming match against Zimbabwe. This marks a pivotal moment for Stick, who previously led the team in 2022 against the Bristol Bears and Munster, albeit with challenging outcomes. As South Africa A prepares to re-enter the fray, Stick's appointment underscores SA Rugby's strategy to deepen its coaching bench while eyeing future international successes.
Stick, a former Blitzbok, first joined the Springboks' coaching ranks in 2016. Despite a brief demotion, he made a robust comeback in 2018 when Erasmus took over from Allister Coetzee. Under Erasmus' mentorship, Stick has been instrumental in securing back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories and triumphing in the 2021 British and Irish Lions Series. Yet, the upcoming game against Zimbabwe presents an opportunity for Stick to clinch his first win with the South Africa A squad.
"The match between the SA ‘A’ team and Zimbabwe will serve as a fantastic opportunity for both teams to achieve some of their objectives with the Rugby World Cup in mind,"
Erasmus remarked earlier in April, highlighting the strategic importance of these fixtures in the broader context of international rugby.Historically, South Africa A has been a crucible for nurturing talent that later ascends to the Springboks' ranks. Players like Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ruan Nortje, and Aphelele Fassi have all donned the SA A jersey early in their careers, benefiting significantly from the exposure. This upcoming match is not just a test of strategy and skill but also a platform to scout and solidify future national team mainstays.
As the match day approaches, Erasmus and Stick are set to announce their teams, drawing from a pool of 53 players, including recent call-ups Phepsi Buthelezi and Carlu Sadie, and Ruben van Heerden, who replaces the injured Salmaan Moerat. This selection reflects SA Rugby's commitment to rotating and evaluating its roster, ensuring a blend of experience and emerging talent is maintained.
The dual encounter, featuring both South Africa A vs. Zimbabwe and South Africa vs. Barbarians, will take place on June 20, 2026, at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. With match officials yet to be confirmed, the rugby community eagerly anticipates what promises to be a showcase of burgeoning talent and tactical acumen.
Upcoming Matches:
- South Africa A vs. Zimbabwe
- South Africa vs. Barbarians
Date: Saturday, 20 June, 2026
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha