The Barbarians have named a star-studded team to challenge Wales in their summer preparations at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday, with Wales legend George North set to end his career from the bench.
Star-Studded Lineup Features World Cup Winners
Former All Black coach Scott Robertson has selected a side packed with international talent, including 19 Test players from 11 different nations. South Africa's double World Cup-winning scrum-half Faf de Klerk captains the invitational side.
“It’s great to have a player of Faf’s quality and experience leading the group this week,” said Robertson. “We have a group packed with talent, who have come together from all over the world. Faf is such a fierce competitor, he knows how to run a week, so he is driving the boys but he also fully embraces the Barbarian spirit and hits the right balance.”
Wales Stars Feature in Barbarians Ranks
Wales hooker Elliot Dee starts in the front row, flanked by Georgia's Giorgi Kharaishvili and double World Cup winner Vincent Koch of South Africa. North, who announced his retirement earlier this year, is named among the replacements and will have to wait for his final appearance.
The pack is physically imposing, with Australia's Isack Rodda and France's Romain Taofifénua in the second row. The back row features Wallabies star Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, former England international Nathan Hughes, and New Zealand's Lachlan Boshier.
Backline Boasts International Experience
New Zealand's Harry Plummer partners de Klerk at half-back, while Munster's Alex Nankivell and Stade Français' Jeremy Ward form the midfield. France international Virimi Vakatawa moves to the wing, with another French international, Tom Spring, at full-back. Wallabies wing Andrew Kellaway completes the starting XV.
Robertson has opted for a 6-2 split on the bench to increase pressure on Wales ahead of their Nations Championship clash with Fiji the following week.
Robertson Promises Entertaining Rugby
“We are looking forward to another great occasion at Twickenham and the fact that it’s a double-header with the women is awesome,” added Robertson. “We have picked a team to really challenge Wales. It’s a big team, with a bit of a Top 14 core, but we also want to move the ball, play what’s on and entertain what is hopefully a big crowd.”
“It’s an awesome opportunity for this talented group to show what they are all about. They are all here because they have a super talent and we want them to express themselves.”
The match marks the start of Wales' summer preparations under Steve Tandy, with the Barbarians aiming to provide a stern test before the Nations Championship begins.
