Springbok World Cup winning lock Victor Matfield will captain a powerful Barbarians XV side, containing uncapped young prop WP Nel, in this weekend big clash with the All Blacks at Twickenham.

Matfield’s side is full of international talent and includes five of his Springbok teammates, as well as New Zealand wing Joe Rokocoko, Wallabies’ skipper Rocky Elsom, and Lions’ player of the series, Jamie Roberts, in the starting XV.

Looking forward to the game, Matfield said: “To be invited to lead such a star-studded outfit is a huge honour for me. It will also be my debut for the Barbarians and the whole experience since the squad met up last Sunday has been unique.”

Coached by Italian head coach Nick Mallett, the Barbarians side features two Azzurri forwards in it’s tight five.

Nel, a star for the Free State Cheetahs during the 2009 Currie Cup, has been handed a starting spot in the front row alongside his countryman Bismarck du Plessis and Italian powerhouse Salvatore Perugini.

Barbarians: 15 Drew Mitchell (Australia), 14 Joe Rokocoko (New Zealand), 13 Jaque Fourie (South Africa), 12 Jamie Roberts (Wales), 11 Bryan Habana (South Africa), 10 Matt Giteau (Australia), 9 Fourie du Preez (South Africa), 8 George Smith (Australia), 7 Schalk Burger (South Africa), 6 Rocky Elsom (Australia), 5 Victor Matfield (South Africa, captain), 4 Carlo del Fava (Italy), 3 W P Nel (Free State Cheetahs), 2 Bismarck du Plessis (South Africa), 1 Salvatore Perugini (Italy).

Replacements: 16 Stephen Moore (Australia), 17 Tendai Mtawarira (South Africa), 18 Quintin Geldenhuys (Italy), 19 Andy Powell (Wales), 20 Will Genia (Australia), 21 Morne Steyn (South Africa), 22 Leigh Halfpenny (Wales).

Date: Saturday, December 5
Venue: Twickenham
Kick-off: 14:15 GMT, 16:15 SA Time
Referee: Christophe Berdos (France)
Assistant referees: Romain Poite (France, David Changleng (Scotland)
TMO: Andrew Turner (England), Graham Hughes (England)

39 Responses to Matfield leads BaaBaas

  • 31

    29 @ Carol

    Also looking forward…think we agreed 11:30 wasnt it?

  • 32

    30 @ Isi
    Dink die Baabaas gaan wen!

  • 33

    Jis jis
    Nee wat, die selfde probleem wat ons B span gekelder het gaan die barbarians ook kelder. Te veel individuele, en nie genoeg saam geoefen nie. En die ouens het nog Dinsdag aand lekker geparty by Barney se liefdadigheids funksie. Die AllBlacks behoort maklik te wen.

  • 34

    33@ Koningkie – Weetnie jong, moeilike keuse…. klomp individuele sterre in 1 span en in die All Blacks span ouens wat effe meer saamgespeel het maar nie sterbelaai nie.

    Die All Black “2de span” het ook maar effe gesukkel teen Italië…

    Maar ek sou ook sê dit behoort ‘n All Black wen te wees.

  • 35

    #29 & #31, Carol & Supa – I trust that you have all taken steps to purify yourselves this week before venturing out to Twickers Saturday. I assume you do realise that attending an ABs match is akin to a religious experience. Just for clarification the ABs are the Saints & the other guys (unknowns mostly) are the heathens, heh, heh.
    Carol needs to cover her head before she steps into the temporary temple established for the Men in Black. Three Hail Marys would be appropriate too. 🙂

    Have fun everyone, may the best men win. Is there any doubt about the outcome? Amen. 🙂

  • 36

    Good luck to Victor and his BaaBaas team.

    Now why are we not getting this game on tv tomorrow?

  • 37

    The last big rugby game of the year and SuperSport not showing it? WHY? We get just about all the rugby here and not getting this game with so many saffas in the team. Really does not make sense.

  • 38

    Carol, Take our camera we will need some pics of that game.

    Say Hi, to Supa, 4man and JL1 that are going with you. Enjoy the game.

    Wear you Bok jersey Carol. I am sure they will be wearing theirs.

  • 39

    Sorry meant take your camera.

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