Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has unleashed his first masterstroke of the international season, naming natural fullback Quan Horn as his starting flyhalf to face the Barbarians this weekend. Photo: Backpagepix
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus continued to take an innovative approach on Tuesday after naming his first Springbok matchday 23 of the 2026 international season by selecting Quan Horn as his starting No 10 to face the Barbarians this weekend.
Horn, 24-years old and with one Test cap to his name, has plied the majority of his senior professional rugby career at the Lions at fullback, and his shift to pivot for Saturday’s clash against the Baabaas in Gqeberha (kick-off 3pm) is an intriguing development.
A powerful runner, Horn’s game is defined by surging counter-attacks, exceptional positional play and a booming left boot. Junior Springbok Vusi Moyo, meanwhile, will play as his backup off the bench. It is expected that Cheslin Kolbe will also take up the goal-kicking duties during the match.
Overall, Erasmus has selected a team that balances the pre-season feel of the upcoming match, while extolling the impressive depth currently available to him. There are familiar names such as Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, André Esterhuizen, Jasper Wiese, Siya Kolisi and Ox Nche amongst newer selections that include Carlu Sadie, Riley Norton, André-Hugo Venter, Horn and Moyo for the Tour match.
