Barbarians assistant coach Sam Whitelock expects Stormers lock Ruben van Heerden to make his mark against the Springboks at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday. SIMON BORCHARDT reports.
Van Heerden, who is coming off a standout season in the Vodacom URC, is expected to start in the second row for the Baa Baas alongside another South African, David Ribbans, who has played Test rugby for England.
Speaking at a press conference in Camps Bay on Tuesday, Whitelock said he’s enjoyed getting to know the 27-year-old this week.
“It’s been cool. We’ve had a bit of time to catch up and have a yarn about rugby and life,” said the former All Blacks lock. “He’s someone I didn’t know much about before [this week], but it’s been really nice to get to know him on a personal level.
“If there’s anything he wants to know, I’m an open book – I’ll help him however I can. He’s clearly got a lot of motivation, and I’m really looking forward to seeing him get out there and play.”
Whitelock, who earned a record 153 Test caps for the All Blacks and played in two World Cup-winning teams, said he knew what to expect from the Springboks, who have gone with a mix of experienced and uncapped players for their 2025 season opener.
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“They can’t look too much at us because we haven’t played together before,” he said. “So they’ll stick to what they’re good at – they’ll use their forwards and try to squeeze us in the right parts of the field. But we all know they’ve got the ability to play expansive, attractive rugby too. It’ll be a great challenge.”
Whitelock captained the Barbarians to a 45-32 win against Fiji at Twickenham in June 2024 – the final match of a decorated playing career that also included seven Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders.
The 36-year-old has now transitioned into coaching and is serving as an assistant to Robbie Deans this week.
“It’s a different challenge,” he said. “I still travel with my mouthguard – but it stays in the bag now. I’m really enjoying working with this group, helping out the next generation. I’ve had some amazing players and coaches help me during my career, so I feel it’s important to pass that on.”
Whitelock said being with the Barbarians was a special experience.
“Some of the guys have played each other 30 times and never had a beer together. Last year, I sat down with [former Brumbies and Wallabies prop] Scott Sio and we had a quiet refreshment. We looked at each other and said, ‘Why haven’t we done this 30 games ago?’ We’d been battering each other on the field for years and never actually connected properly.
“That’s the magic of the Barbarians. It brings people together and reminds you why you started playing rugby in the first place.”
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Whitelock said that while the Barbarians took every match seriously, the players were encouraged to enjoy the days leading up to it.
“It’s one of the coolest things in the game. I’d hate to see Barbarians rugby lose its place – because I genuinely think it’s one of the most important traditions we have.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
