With André Esterhuizen and Jesse Kriel locking horns with Alex Nankivell and Virimi Vakatawa this weekend, Esterhuizen is licking his lips at the prospect of a massive physical test. Photo: Backpagepix
The midfield battle between the Springboks and the Barbarians is bubbling up nicely and is ready to spill over onto the pitch of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium with fury and flesh on Saturday when the two teams meet in a Tour match (kick-off 3pm).
On Wednesday, the Barbarians — coached by former All Blacks coach Scott Robertson — selected the beefy Alex Nankivell at inside centre, with former France international Virimi Vakatawa in the No 13 jumper. The Boks, meanwhile, have picked André Esterhuizen and stalwart Jesse Kriel as their centre combination.
Together, the foursome weigh in at a fearsome and near 500 kg, while their average height is 1.88m.
Before departing for Gqeberha, on Wednesday, where they will face the Baabaas, Bok centre Esterhuizen ran the rule over his opposing numbers this weekend.
