Not good enough for Boks, but good enough for BaaBaas
Currie Cup-winning flyhalf Robert du Preez has been named in the Barbarians squad to face New Zealand at Twickenham next Saturday.
The 24-year-No.10 is joined by compatriot and former Springbok captain Adriaan Strauss.
UK-based South African A-team loose forward Ruan Ackermann, a flank currently playing for Gloucester, joins up after this past Sunday's dramatic 22-21 derby win over Bath.
Other South Africans in the team include Willie Britz (playing for the Sunwolves), Albertus Smith (Lions), Armand van der Merwe (Sharks), Jacques van Rooyen (Lions) and Harold Vorster (Lions).
The squad – which will also face Tonga at Munster's Thomond Park in Limerick on November 10 – also includes two members of the Barbarians side beaten 31-28 by Australia in Sydney last Saturday.
Former Australia coach Robbie Deans takes charge for the two games and has called up 13 Kiwis – including All Blacks Ben Franks and Steven Luatua, who are both now based in England.
Other All Blacks of note in New Zealander Deans' squad are 2015 World Cup-winning wing Julian Savea and scrumhalf Andy Ellis, who was a member of the 2011 World Cup-winning side.
Barbarians squad:
Forwards: Ruan Ackermann (Gloucester), Dominic Bird (Chiefs), Willie Britz (Sunwolves), Sam Carter (Brumbies), Simone Favaro (Fiamme Oro), Ben Franks (London Irish), Dillon Hunt (Highlanders), Steven Luatua (Bristol), Atu Moli (Chiefs), Albertus Smith (Lions), Ruan Smith (Verblitz), Adriaan Strauss (Bulls), Armand van der Merwe (Sharks), Jacques van Rooyen (Lions), Luke Whitelock (Highlanders & New Zealand).
Backs: Vince Aso (Hurricanes), George Bridge (Crusaders), Richard Buckman (Highlanders), Mitchell Drummond (Crusaders), Robert du Preez (Stormers), Andy Ellis (Kobelco Steelers), Richie Mo'unga (Crusaders), Taqele Naiyaravoro (Waratahs), Julian Savea (Hurricanes), Nic Stirzaker (Rebels), Harold Vorster (Lions).
