Wales hooker Elliot Dee will start for the Barbarians in a star-studded line-up against South Africa in Port Elizabeth. The Dragons hooker flew out to South Africa this week and is the only Welshman named in the squad to take on the world champions.
Star-Studded Line-Up
Former All Blacks scrum-half TJ Perenara will captain the side which includes 19 internationals from 11 different nations. Having represented the famous invitational club against Fiji in 2013, Perenara partners Toulon and Argentina ace Tomas Albornoz at half-back.
Munster’s Alex Nankivell partners France international Virimi Vakatawa in the centres. Scotland and British & Irish Lions wing Duhan van der Merwe reunites with former schoolmate Warrick Gelant, who faces his countrymen, while Wallabies wing Andrew Kellaway completes the back three.
Powerful Pack
There is plenty of size, power and experience in the pack with Gloucester’s Argentinian Mayco Vivas, Dee and Edinburgh and Scotland tight-head D’Arcy Rae forming the front-row. Western Force and Los Pumas lock Franco Molina partners Bayonne’s Alex Moon in a towering second-row.
Harlequins and Argentina stalwart Guido Petti and Panasonic Wild Knights’ Lachlan Boshier are named on the flanks with Samoa sensation Miracle Fai’ilagi pulling on the No 8 jersey.
Coach's Comments
“We are all really excited for Saturday afternoon. To play against the world champions in South Africa is an awesome opportunity,” said Barbarians head coach Scott Robertson. “We have embraced the Barbarians spirit and tradition this week, coming together as a group and enjoying each other’s company in Cape Town.
“It’s a team packed with talent, guys who have come from all over the world and have a great chance to showcase their ability in Port Elizabeth. We want to express ourselves and do the famous black and white jersey proud.”
Upcoming Fixtures
Following the game the Barbarians will fly to the UK where they will face Wales at the Allianz Stadium Twickenham on Saturday, June 27.
Barbarians: Warrick Gelant; Andrew Kellaway, Virimi Vakatawa, Alex Nankivell, Duhan van der Merwe; Tomás Albornoz, TJ Perenara (capt); Mayko Vivas, Elliot Dee, D’Arcy Rae, Franco Molina, Alex Moon, Lachlan Boshier, Miracle Fai’ilagi. Replacements: Leonel Oviedo, Oli Kebble, Pedro Delgado, Izack Rodda, Liam McConnell, Santiago Arata, Harry Plummer, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.
