Kruger cracks BaaBaas nod

 

The Barbarians game can be viewed as a warm-up match for a number of players who feature in both Dean Ryan's Baa-Baas and Nick Mallett's World XV 

 

Juandre Kruger, Hosea Gear, James O’Connor, Francois Trinh-Duc, Rene Ranger, Schalk Ferreira, Mamuka Gorgodze, Sona Taumalolo, Jimmy Cowan, Andrew Hore, Alexandre Lapandry, Roger Wilson, Joe Tekori will all feature in both invitational teams.  

 

Head coach Dean Ryan has at his disposal an experienced group totalling more than 700 international caps.

 

A dozen players have been added to the initial Barbarians group including Ireland lock Donncha O’Callaghan, France fly half Francois Trinh-Duc, South Africa second row Juandre Kruger and Argentina full back Juan Martin Hernandez.

 

Nine different nations are represented – six New Zealanders joined by players from Argentina, Australia, France, South Africa, Georgia, Ireland, Samoa and Tonga – and 19 players are set to wear the club’s famous black and white hooped shirt for the first time.

 

“It is a testimony to the special appeal the Barbarians has throughout the rugby world that we have been able to bring together such an experienced and talented squad of players," head coach Ryan said.

 

“It’s a privilege to be able to work with a group who have achieved so much and we’re looking forward to taking on a young England side at Twickenham next Sunday. 

 

There is one change to the group of players previously announced with Castres-bound All Black Sitiveni Sivivatu now unavailable.