Just a week after clashing with Wales as part of the Springboks, Faf de Klerk is set to captain the Barbarians in an intriguing encounter at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham this Saturday. Stepping into the role previously held by TJ Perenara, De Klerk will lead a robust team featuring 19 Test-capped players. In a poignant twist to the fixture, George North, a stalwart of the British and Irish Lions, is poised for his final bow in rugby, facing off against the very nation he represented in 121 Test matches.
BaaBaas head coach Scott Robertson, known for his strategic acumen, has curated an exciting lineup for this match. Tom Spring has been selected as full-back, flanked by Andrew Kellaway and Virimi Vakatawa on the wings. The center pairing of Jeremy Ward and Alex Nankivell promises to bring dynamism to midfield, while Harry Plummer will partner De Klerk in the halves, setting the stage for a thrilling offensive game.
The forward pack is no less impressive, with Nathan Hughes, Lachlan Boshier, and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto making up the back-row. The locks will be manned by Romain Taofifénua and Izack Rodda, with Vincent Koch, Elliot Dee, and Giorgi Kharaishvili completing the front row. The bench follows a 6:2 split, featuring players like Harry Thacker, Jack Iscaro, and the versatile George North, among others.
"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,"
Robertson commented, highlighting De Klerk's dual role as a leader and a player.Robertson further elaborated on the team's strategy, "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." This approach underscores the Barbarians' commitment to not just competing but also providing a spectacle worthy of their reputation.
The match not only serves as a platform for North's venerable career curtain call but also exemplifies the Barbarians' ethos of spirited and expansive rugby. As this diverse group of talents converges under Robertson's guidance, the stage is set for a memorable clash that transcends the conventional stakes of a rugby match, embodying the spirit and camaraderie that the Barbarians are celebrated for.
Barbarians team v Wales:
Starting XV: 15 Tom Spring, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Virimi Vakatawa, 10 Harry Plummer, 9 Faf de Klerk (c), 8 Nathan Hughes, 7 Lachlan Boshier, 6 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 5 Romain Taofifénua, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Elliot Dee, 1 Giorgi Kharaishvili
Replacements: 16 Harry Thacker, 17 Jack Iscaro, 18 Paul Alo-Emile, 19 Yoan Tanga, 20 Jordan Joseph, 21 Santiago Arata, 22 George North, 23 Liam McConnell
This fixture promises to be more than just a game; it is a celebration of rugby's enduring allure, where legends bid farewell and new chapters are penned with every play.