Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named 18 capped internationals for Saturday's clash against the Barbarians at Loftus Versfeld, but the real talking points are all about the new faces — and one position switch that has everyone buzzing.

Quan Horn, the 24-year-old who normally patrols fullback, will start at flyhalf. Yes, flyhalf. Erasmus explained that Manie Libbok has played a lot of rugby in Japan recently and needs managing, Handré Pollard has to get through the URC final without injury, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is injured. So Horn gets the nod.

"We know he can play 15, but if he can play 10 and 15, hopefully in future that'll help with a 6-2 bench split," Erasmus said. "The other assistant coaches, all of us, really see something in him when it comes to 10."

Then there's Riley Norton. The Junior Bok captain is just 20 years old, but Erasmus has handed him a starting spot at lock alongside Franco Mostert. Norton has been captaining the SA U20 side and has impressed the coaching staff with his maturity.

"He's definitely not at all 'windgat', he's confident, and there's an aura around him," Erasmus said. "He understands what professional rugby is about, and I think that's why he's such a great leader for the Junior Boks."

The Springboks are dealing with a lock crisis — injuries to RG Snyman, Lood de Jager, and Salmaan Moerat have left the cupboard bare. Norton gets a chance to show he belongs.

Another debutant in the starting XV is Carlu Sadie, the tighthead prop who has been plying his trade in France. Erasmus said Sadie has improved his work rate off the ball and general play significantly over the last season, and facing the Barbarians' varied pack is the perfect test.

The replacements bench also has three uncapped players: hooker JJ Kotze, loose forward Paul de Villiers, and SA U20 flyhalf Vusi Moyo. That's three youngsters who could make their Springbok debuts if they get on the field.

Meanwhile, the SA 'A' side — coached by Mzwandile Stick — will take on Zimbabwe on the same day. That team is captained by Vincent Tshituka, who has been asked to slide into the lock position for this match. Erasmus called him a natural leader who leads by example with his work rate and physicality.

The SA 'A' squad includes experienced players like Lukhanyo Am in the midfield, alongside exciting youngsters like Luan Giliomee, Jaco Williams, and Zekhethelo Siyaya in the back three. Halfbacks Yaqeen Ahmed and Haashim Pead will control the game from the base.

Erasmus said the SA 'A' game is a luxury because it bridges the gap between domestic franchise form and full international intensity. It allows the coaches to keep guys like Am sharp while throwing younger players into a high-consequence environment where they have to sink or swim under the guidance of senior leaders.

The Springboks are clearly using the Barbarians match as a testing ground. Erasmus is managing his stars — keeping them fresh for the Rugby Championship later this year — while giving a handful of promising players a shot at the highest level.

Squads

Springboks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Quan Horn, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Riley Norton, 3 Carlü Sadie, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ox Nché.

Bench: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Paul de Villiers, 21 Evan Roos, 22 Faf de Klerk, 23 Vusi Moyo.

South Africa A: 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Jaco Williams, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Haashim Pead, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Bathobele Hlekani, 6 Emmanuel Tshituka, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Vincent Tshituka (c), 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Boan Venter.

Bench: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Adré Smith, 20 Siba Mahashe, 21 Nico Steyn, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Jurenzo Julius.

Kickoff is at 17:00 on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld.